Bills' A.J. Tarpley retires from NFL at age 23 because of concussions

April 7, 2016 8:25 AM PT

Buffalo Bills linebacker A.J. Tarpley is sort of like Peyton Manning in that he is retiring from the NFL on a high note.

The last play of Tarpley's career was a game-clinching interception of New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in the final game of the season.

While that might not be quite as epic as Manning ending what is certain to be a Hall of Fame career by winning a second Super Bowl ring, Tarpley didn't get the chance to reach the kind of heights the 40-year-old former Denver Broncos quarterback did during his 17-year career.

Tarpley is 23. He announced Wednesday he's retiring after only one year in the NFL because of concussions.

The only thing comforting about not knowing this play would be the last of my career, is knowing that I never took a second for granted. After months of introspection, I am retiring from football. I suffered the 3rd and 4th concussions of my career this past season and I am walking away from the game I love to preserve my future health. This decision is the hardest I've made yet but after much research and contemplation I believe it's what is best for me going forward. I'd like to extend my gratitude to everyone that helped me along the way. Thank you to my coaches at Wayzata and Stanford, and to lifelong friends that I was blessed to call teammates. You all molded me into the man I am today. To my family, I'll never be able to repay your unwavering support and love, I just hope that I can continue to show how gracious I am and make you proud. I also want to thank the Buffalo Bills organization, coaches, and teammates for helping me fulfill my lifelong dream in the NFL. Last but not least, I'm proud to be a part of #BillsMafia and playing in front of the best fans in the league is something I won't forget. Thank you God for all that you have blessed me ¿¿¿¿. I'm excited for my future.

A photo posted by A.J. Tarpley (@ajtarpley) on Apr 6, 2016 at 5:21pm PDT

"After months of introspection, I am retiring from football," Tarpley wrote on Instagram. "I suffered the 3rd and 4th concussions of my career this past season and I am walking away from the game I love to preserve my future health.

"This decision is the hardest I've made yet but after much research and contemplation I believe it's what is best for me going forward."

Last off-season, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland retired at age 24, stating he needed "to allow my Brain and Body a chance to heal." Also last year, Green Bay Packers rookie receiver Adrian Coxson retired at 24 after suffering a severe concussion during training camp.

Tarpley made the Bills roster as an undrafted rookie out of Stanford and ended up playing in 14 games. He posted a photo of himself celebrating the second of his two interceptions this season to go with his farewell message on Instagram.

"The only thing comforting about not knowing this play would be the last of my career, is knowing that I never took a second for granted," he wrote.