INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Colts head coach Khari Willis announced Wednesday that he will retire after three seasons in the NFL to seek a future in the ministry.
“With much prayer and deliberation, I have chosen to officially retire from the NFL as I try to devote the rest of my life to advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Willis, 26, wrote in a post to Instagram. “I thank all my family, friends and those who have supported me on this journey so far and look forward to continuing with your support for the next phase of my life.
“I am humble and excited to follow God’s holy call to my life, which brings me so much joy and purpose. Thank you all for your support during these years …”
Willis, a fourth-round pick in 2019, became the team’s strong initial safety midway through his rookie safety. He finished his career with 219 innings and four interceptions while starting 33 of the 39 games he played.
“We are grateful and grateful for Khari’s contributions to the Colts on and off the field over the past three seasons,” coach Frank Reich said in a statement. “Khari’s character, leadership and professionalism will be lacking in our dressing room as well as his work on Sundays. I admire and respect his decision to transition to the next stage of his life and ministry and my prayers will be always with him “.
The Colts had already tackled the safety position some in the low season. They signed veteran Rodney McLeod to free agency and selected Maryland’s Nick Cross with the 96th overall pick in this year’s draft. McLeod will likely have the inside track to start at Willis’ place, with Cross as the long-term starter there.