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          'Personal health' primary reason for Husain Abdullah to retire

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          Teicher: Abdullah will be hard to replace (1:54)

          ESPN Chiefs reporter Adam Teicher discusses Husain Abdullah's decision to retire after suffering five concussions during his career. (1:54)

          Mar 28, 2016
          • ESPN.com news services

          Free-agent safety Husain Abdullah announced Monday that he has decided to retire, posting on Instagram that his health was the primary deciding factor after suffering five concussions in his seven-year career.

          After 7 years in the NFL, I am retiring. I would like to thank the Minnesota Vikings for giving me an opportunity to make the team after going undrafted in 2008. I experienced a great deal of growth both as a football player and as a person during my 4 years in Minnesota. Thank you. The Kansas City Chiefs will forever have a special place in my heart. After sitting out of football to fulfill my Hajj Pilgrimage in 2012, The Chiefs were the first to call. The three years I spent playing for KC may have been the most enjoyable football experience in my entire life. Thank you. There are numerous deciding factors in my decision, with personal health being foremost. Sitting for five weeks last year after suffering the fifth concussion of my career, I had a lot to contemplate. My goals moving forward are to be of benefit to my family, my community, my country and hopefully the world. Having a sound mind will be vital in accomplishing these goals. Thank you to everyone I've crossed paths with during my time as a player. You've had an impact on my life for the better. Thanks for the love and support. It's greatly appreciated. #chiefskingdom #Peace✌🏿️

          A photo posted by Husain Abdullah (@habdullah39) on

          Abdullah thanked the Minnesota Vikings for signing him as an undrafted free agent in 2008 and called his three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs "the most enjoyable football experience in my entire life."

          Numerous productive players have indicated plans to retire this offseason, including Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson and New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo. Many of them have cited their long-term health as one reason behind their decisions.

          The 30-year-old Abdullah had been a valuable defender for the Chiefs since he joined the team as a free agent in 2013. Kansas City used Abdullah, a part-­time starter over his three seasons, in a variety of roles. He was effective as a blitzer, though he had just a half-­sack with Kansas City, and was used a lot in man-­to-­man pass coverage.

          Starters Eric Berry and Ron Parker along with Daniel Sorensen are the remaining safeties from the five who played significant snaps for the Chiefs last season. Kansas City has moved cornerback Jamell Fleming to safety and signed Jordan Kovacs from the Miami Dolphins, while Tyvon Branch signed as a free agent with the Arizona Cardinals.

          Abdullah, who scored twice on interception returns in his three seasons with the Chiefs, had two picks against Andrew Luck in a playoff loss to the Colts after the 2013 season.

          Before joining the Chiefs, Abdullah was a part-­time starter for four seasons with the Vikings. He took the 2012 season off to make the Muslim hajj to Mecca then joined the Chiefs in 2013.

          ESPN Chiefs reporter Adam Teicher and The Associated Press contributed to this report.