Seahawks' Cliff Avril says he isn't considering retirement as he recovers from neck injury

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril isn’t considering retirement, he told Yahoo Sports on Wednesday, refuting a media report.

“People are saying I’m retiring because of what coach Carroll said but he’s referring to surgery,” Avril said via text, referring to Seattle head coach Pete Carroll.

The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Avril, who is recovering from neck injury, is “mulling retirement.”

Avril, 31, suffered the injury during the Seahawks’ 46-18 win over Indianapolis in Week 4, which forced him to leave the game. He experienced numbness in his hands as well.

Head coach Pete Carroll discussed his status during interview with Sirius XM NFL Radio on Wednesday.

“Cliff Avril will go on IR, Carroll said. “He’s seeing a bunch of doctors, seriously looking at a big decision.”

Avril has been one of the Seahawks’ most consistent defensive performers since he signed with the team prior to the 2013 season. After recording a career-high 11.5 sacks and five forced fumbles last season, the former Detroit Lion earned his first Pro Bowl selection.

Avril – who signed a five-year, $35.5 million contract in 2014 with $16 million guaranteed – is set to become a free agent in 2019.

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