Lions 2023 seventh-round pick announces he is stepping away from football
In a recent emotional post on social media, a former Detroit Lions wide receiver announced he is stepping away from football.
Antoine Green, a seventh-round draft pick out of North Carolina in 2023, said the injury he suffered last year with the Lions has forced him to put his career on hold.
“God has been so good to me throughout my life, but sadly, my football journey ended sooner than I hoped,” Green wrote on Instagram.
“I’ve wanted to speak out for quite some time, but needed time to myself.
I suffered a spinal cord injury last year that left me with no choice but to step away from football.
It hasn’t been easy, but I rejoice in the Lord protecting me physically and molding me into the person I am today.
“I appreciate everyone who has supported me over the past 20 years of me playing through all of the ups and downs.
I also want to thank the Detroit Lions for drafting me and for fully supporting me since my injury.
I am so blessed, and I wouldn’t change anything about my process. Thank you.”
Green was injured during the Lions’ preseason opener last year against the New York Giants, when he suffered a brain injury. The team waived him shortly after with an injury settlement.
When he went unclaimed on waivers, he reverted to the injured reserve list.
The Lions waived him again this past April, this time without a designation.
As a rookie, Green appeared in nine games, logging 106 snaps on offense and 71 on special teams.
In a receiver room headlined by Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond and former Lion Josh Reynolds, opportunities were limited.
He finished the season with one catch for two yards.
