Jaguars rookie Zedrick Woods retires from NFL
Zedrick Woods lit up the NFL combine but has called time on his career in the pros without playing a snap for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Zedrick Woods was one of the stars of the NFL combine when he set a blazing time in the 40-yard dash but the former Ole Miss safety has decided to retire from the sport.
Despite running the 40 in just 4.29 seconds, Woods was not deemed worthy of a selection, though he was picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent.
However, Woods will not get the chance to prove he should have been drafted after electing to retire from the NFL without playing a snap for the Jags.
According to Phillip Heilman of The Athletic, Woods’ agent Ron Butler said a turf toe injury was the primary reason behind Woods deciding not to continue in the sport.
He said:
"“That was hampering him from being able to go out and play like himself or be himself. … It was weighing on him and he made a decision to ultimately step down.”"
While it is a surprise to see a rookie reject the chance to test themselves in the league, it is not uncommon for them to do so because of injury.
As a UDFA, Woods believing he was unable to show his best due to the toe issue must have supremely frustrating for a player fighting for a roster spot and he ultimately may have felt it was damaging his chances of having a successful career in Jacksonville.
Woods had six interceptions and 11 pass deflections across his four collegiate seasons with Ole Miss. Having demonstrated a nose for the football and showcased elite speed, Woods could still be an attractive option for teams if this proves only to be a temporary decision and he applies for reinstatement down the line.
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For now, though, the Jaguars will carry on without him and do so with questionable safety depth. After parting with Tashaun Gipson in the offseason Jarrod Wilson will start at free safety ahead of Cody Davis and another UDFA Joshua Moon, who Woods likely would have been competing with for a roster spot had he reported for training camp on Monday.