WATCH: Ryan Watts emotional birthday plea to heal neck injury hits harder after Steeler's CB's early retirement

Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ryan Watts prayed to recover from a neck injury that would end his career.

Watts - a sixth-round draft pick in the 2024 NFL draft - had his playing career stall before it even started. The ex-Texas Longhorns standout suffered a severe neck injury in Pittsburgh's last exhibition game against the Detroit Lions on Aug. 24, 2024.

The emotional video - posted by Ryan Watts' fiancé on TikTok - encapsulates the cornerback's raw emotions. The timing of this is after the Steelers's Monday announcement of his release from the team.

"I wish that my neck could heal so I could continue playing in the NFL. Lord let me keep playing," Watts prayed in the video.

The injury - first diagnosed as a "stinger" - was much more severe than initially thought. By medical definitions, stingers are injuries that result when nerves in the shoulder and neck are stretched or compressed following an impact. Symptoms include stinging or burning pain that radiates from the shoulder to the hand."

Ryan Watts' injury necessitated greater medical attention, as attested to by his January social media entry that saw him in a hospital bed sporting a neck brace.

---

Ryan Watts sends alert to young players

Syndication: Austin American-Statesman - Source: Imagn

Once the Pittsburgh Steelers announced his release, Ryan Watts - now medically retired - sent a stark warning to his fellow players on Instagram, regarding the precariousness of an NFL career.

“Mannnn yall boys cherish and enjoy this game of football,” Ryan Watts wrote on Instagram on Monday. “You never know which play could be your last.”

The Little Elm, Texas, cornerback had been an excellent prospect throughout his college career. He spent his first two years at Ohio State before transferring to Texas, where he started 23 of 24 games for the Longhorns. His college awards included league coaches's honorable mention All-Big 12 and Honorable Mention All-Big 12 Defensive Newcomer Player of the Year in 2022.

Steelers general manager Omar Khan spoke about Watts's release in a statement:

"Unfortunately, today we are releasing Ryan Watts from our roster. After consulting with our medical team, medical experts, and Ryan's representatives, we all agree that it is Ryan's best interest to discontinue playing football at this time. We will continue to support Ryan as he transitions to this next phase of life."

The move ended a challenging year for Ryan Watts, who had earlier aired his challenges on Instagram in January.

Watts - who was converted from cornerback to strong safety -left a positive mark during his time with the Steelers. The team took note of his athleticism at the 2024 NFL draft combine, where he posted an impressive 40.5-inch vertical leap that boosted his draft value.