Former Detroit Lions 3rd-round pick Travis Swanson retires

Former Detroit Lions third-round pick Travis Swanson announced his retirement on Saturday morning via an Instagram post.

Swanson’s decision to retire at the young age of 28 appears to be one based on his family priorities.

“This ultimately came down to a family decision between Emily and I,” Swanson wrote. “When my daughter Kendyl was born and I first saw her, my heart expanded and completely changed my priorities. I will always love football, but the love for your child is a level of love that has no comparison.”

Swanson spent four years in Detroit, starting 42 games throughout his rookie contract. The Lions opted not to re-sign Swanson, so the Jets signed him. He didn’t end up making the final cuts in New York, but he quickly found a home with the Miami Dolphins as depth. When starting center Daniel Kilgore went down with an injury early in the season, Swanson came in and started 11 games for the Dolphins. He was not re-signed at the end of the 2018 season and remained a free agent until his retirement announcement Sunday.

We wish Swanson the best in family life, and thanks for the four years in Detroit!