HOUSTON -- Houston Texans defensive tackle Cedric Killings, who broke his neck in September in a game against the Indianapolis Colts, said Thursday he will retire.
Although the injury is not expected to have any lingering effects, Killings said doctors told him he would be at a high risk of permanent paralysis if he were to return to the field.
"If I can't perform at a high level, and if there is a high risk, then it's time to do what's best for my family and not play anymore," Killings told Houston television station KRIV.
Killings fractured his C-4 vertebra Sept. 23 during a violent headfirst collision with Indianapolis receiver Roy Hall in a 30-24 loss to the Colts. He was unable to move any of his limbs immediately after the hit, but was standing and walking a day later.
Killings said he has already told Texans coach Gary Kubiak of his retirement, a decision he said Kubiak supported.
"It is emotional," Killings said. "I've been going back and forth with it. It was a real tough decision because I've always been able to bounce back."
Killings was an undrafted free agent. He spent a season apiece with San Francisco, Carolina and Washington before playing the 2006-07 seasons with the Texans.
