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Bills LB A.J. Tarpley retires after one season due to concussions

Buffalo Bills linebacker A.J. Tarpley announced his retirement Wednesday via Instagram.
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Buffalo Bills linebacker A.J. Tarpley announced his retirement Wednesday via Instagram.

Tarpley, 23, retires after one season with the Bills, with whom he signed as an undrafted free agent. After two concussions over the course of last season, Tarpley announced he will walk away from the game due to health concerns.

“The only thing comforting about not knowing this play would be the last of my career, is knowing that I never took a second for granted,” Tarpley wrote. “ After months of introspection, I am retiring from football. I suffered the 3rd and 4th concussions of my career this past season and I am walking away from the game I love to preserve my future health.

This decision is the hardest I've made yet but after much research and contemplation I believe it's what is best for me going forward.”

Tarpley appeared in 14 games as a rookie and made two starts.