New York Jets defensive end Vinny Curry, shown Jan. 30, 2018, was a starter on the Philadelphia Eagles' 2017 Super Bowl championship team. File Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/UPI |
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Aug. 25 (UPI) -- New York Jets defensive lineman Vinny Curry will be sidelined for the entire 2021 season after being diagnosed with a rare blood disorder last month that required the removal of his spleen and triggered additional complications.
In a statement posted on social media Wednesday, Curry said he was initially projected to return to the field in mid-September. However, blood clots formed and forced him to go on blood thinners, preventing him from having physical contact for three to six months.
The 33-year-old Curry said he expects to play in the 2022 season.
"While I am incredibly disappointed that I will not be able to play with my teammates this year, I am thankful that the doctors identified my condition in time," Curry said. "They have informed me that I am expected to make a full recovery and return to the field next season.
"I am grateful to all those who have reached out to me on the phone, through social media and in person. I can promise them all that I will be back stronger and more determined than ever."
On Tuesday, Curry became ineligible to play this season after the Jets transferred him from the exempt/NFI list to the reserve/non-football injury list. The team didn't provide a reason.
Curry, who was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles' 2017 Super Bowl championship team, signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Jets in March. The deal contained no signing bonus, but his base salary of about $1.08 million was fully guaranteed.
In 123 career NFL games with the Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Curry has notched 194 total tackles, 32.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two passes defensed.
