Former Hawkeye Retiring From NFL Due to Concussions

The NFL career has ended earlier than anyone, himself included, could have imagined for C.J. Fiedorowicz. A series of concussions have caused him to make the decision to retire from football.

Fiedorowicz, who caught nine touchdown passes and had 84 total receptions during his Iowa career which concluded in 2013, suffered four concussions in the 12-month period from December 2016 to the end of 2017. Two of them put him on the Houston Texans injured reserve list at different points last season. The Texans have now placed him on the "Reserve/Retired list. His career numbers:

• 89 catches
• 881 yards
• 6 touchdowns

The former Iowa tight end had signed a $22 million extension with Houston last summer, following training camp. More than $10 million of the money was guaranteed, but the terms of the deal were revised upon his retirement.

Texans coach Bill O'Brien told NFL.com,

I know this was a difficult decision for him. C.J. has been a great teammate and we appreciate his efforts over the past four years. We wish him success in the next phase of his life.