Jason Wright Retires, But That Is No Surprise

by Jess Root on Jul 19, 2011 1:22 AM MDT in NFL Offseason/Free Agency

In what is not shocking news, running back Jason Wright, at age 28, has decided to retire from the NFL, a fact that was broken by the Arizona Republic's Kent Somers. He was set to become an unrestricted free agent after having played two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He also spent one season with the Atlanta Falcons and four with the Cleveland Browns before joining Arizona.

Azcardinals.com writer Darren Urban reports that this was the plan for quite some time, but that Wright did not want it publicized. He just felt that "it was time."

While he likely was going to have interest, he was not likely to return to the Cardinals. With the drafting of Ryan Williams, they already have Beanie Wells and LaRod Stephens-Howling under contract and Tim Hightower as a likely restricted free agent, but it is likely that he will be back as well. There would be no room for him.

However, his time here was valuable. He was great on special teams, he was a veteran guy and was good in the backfield at receiving and blocking.

His retirement does not affect the Cardinals overall, but we all wish him well in his next venture, that for now includes going to business school.

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Comments

Retired at 28, what a life

I wonder what it says about his mentality to “retire” at 28 and go to business school as opposed to the guys who desperately try to hang onto their football careers by going to the UFL or Arena leagues?

by Steamin' Beamin' on Jul 19, 2011 6:07 AM MDT reply actions

A lot of those guys have nothing else.

They got carried through college because of their ability to play ball.

by hadrarius on Jul 19, 2011 5:25 PM MDT up reply actions

Wright is a smart guy

Northwestern, business school, always well spoken. Good for him for not trying to hang on and wanting more from his life.

We all bleed Cardinal Red, but most of us don't recognize it!

"It takes no talent to give great effort"--Chris Petersen

by robloosli on Jul 19, 2011 7:35 AM MDT reply actions

+1

by Birdman2 on Jul 19, 2011 8:09 AM MDT up reply actions

It's obvious that football

wasn’t his only “thing.” Reminds me of Robert Smith, except Smith was much more of a standout player.

Like the Cardinals? Revenge of the Birds is where to go.
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by Jess Root on Jul 19, 2011 9:32 AM MDT reply actions

yea wasn't trying to say anything bad about the guy,

stuff like this always makes the wonder how many guys are in the NFL, or any other professional sport for that matter, not because it was thier lifelong dream but because they had tremendous God given ability.

by Steamin' Beamin' on Jul 19, 2011 12:05 PM MDT up reply actions

Didn't take anything negative out of your comment.

And with 1900 players or so in the league, I think it runs the gamut. Some love the game, some play it because that’s all they know, and some are football junkies (Brett Favre) who can’t get away. And some do it because that’s what they are good at.

Like the Cardinals? Revenge of the Birds is where to go.
Like Arizona Sports in general? SB Nation Arizona is where you'll get it all.
Follow me on Twitter! @senorjessroot

by Jess Root on Jul 19, 2011 1:26 PM MDT up reply actions

I was a NU athlete...

the same year as Jason and shared some of the same trainers. He is a very intelligent, respectful guy. I believe he was a captain there and definitely showed more class than the rest of his team combined. He’s going to do well in any endeavor. I hope he stays connected to the NFL post graduate school and makes his way back to the Cardinals.

In any case, he could probably give Jess a few tips on writing :) SNAP!

by NickyPinks on Jul 19, 2011 2:30 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Rec'd!

Like the Cardinals? Revenge of the Birds is where to go.
Like Arizona Sports in general? SB Nation Arizona is where you'll get it all.
Follow me on Twitter! @senorjessroot

by Jess Root on Jul 19, 2011 2:41 PM MDT up reply actions