Sean Welsh has decided to call time on his football career.

The Washington Redskins' rookie center announced his retirement from the game in a Facebook post after the first day of rookie minicamp. Welsh was signed as a free agent out of Iowa after going unselected in the NFL Draft.

"After a lot of thought, I’ve decided to retire from the game of football," Welsh said in a statement. "Although this decision might feel quick for many, I’ve had apprehension about pursuing a professional career for some time. I believe football is one of the greatest games ever played, it’s one that should be played with passion and an unwavering desire. For me, this is no longer the case. But I am so hopeful and eager to approach this next chapter of my life. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish and I couldn’t have done with help from many along the way. I am profoundly grateful for the people in my life that have made what I’ve done possible. I also want to thank the Redskins as well for the opportunity they gave me. I never expected to make it this far and I consider myself among the luckiest guys in the world to experience what I have."

Welsh enjoyed a standout career during his time at Iowa. The 23-year-old played primarily at guard during his time at with the Hawkeyes, however a lack of ideal size for the position saw teams view him as a center in the professional game. He was named as an All-Big Ten selection in three of his four seasons in college, featuring at both guard and right tackle. The Ohio native received second team honors in 2017 and following his junior year in 2016, his strong play saw him voted as a second-team All-American by USA Today. A third-team All-Big Ten honors also came his way after the campaign. Welsh's sophomore season saw him voted as an honorable mention All-Big Ten performer by coaches, while he was named to the first-team freshman All-Big Ten team in 2014.

With Welsh's decision to hang up his pads, the Redskins will likely turn to other free agent options. After the departure of Spencer Long in free agency, the Redskins currently feature only second-year starter Chase Roullier and Demetrius Rhaney at the center position, with veteran Tony Bergstrom also capable of taking snaps in a pinch.