Cardinals LB Abraham Takes Leave, Contemplating Retirement

David Dermer/Diamond Images/Getty Images(TEMPE, Ariz.) — Arizona Cardinals linebacker John Abraham has taken a leave of absence and told his coach Bruce Arians that he’s losing his desire to play football.

The 36-year-old Abraham, who is the NFL’s all-time active sacks leader (133.5), left the team’s win over the San Diego Chargers in the third quarter Monday with a concussion.

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Abraham has dealt with severe memory loss for more than a year.

“I think when you get to that age, and for whatever reason, if that game on Monday Night Football and that atmosphere didn’t have you flying around like always or more, then something is missing,” Arians said. “That’s basically what he reflected to me. He said, ‘There were times in that game I wasn’t in it, and that’s not fair to my teammates. I’ve got to decide if this is what I still really want to do.'”

Abraham was selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He’s played in 192 games since then recording 547 tackles, 47 forced fumbles, and one touchdown.


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