Former Packers wide receiver Adrian Coxson announces retirement following severe Grade 3 concussion

Emotional and reflective, former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Adrian Coxson is retiring from the NFL after suffering a severe concussion suffered during the third day of training camp that's still affecting him with symptoms. Coxson said he's praying that he eventually returns to normal and is disappointed that he can't play football anymore due to health reasons. "I'm retiring because I'm still having symptoms and my health is more important to me than the game of football," Coxson said in a telephone interview. "It's been recommended to me by two neurologists and two doctors to retire from football. The next hit to my head could possibly kill me or be life damaging. This last one could be life damaging. It has taken a great toll on me. This concussion was a bad one. A Grade 3 concussion is real serious." Cut with a failure to disclose physical condition designation, Coxson was signed by the Packers after going undrafted out of Stonybrook in New York. Coxson previously attended the University of Florida and Maryland before transferring. Coxson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds at his Pro Day workout. Coxson, 24, said it's rough on him to not be able to play the game he loves anymore. "It's definitely tough," he said. "I worked hard all my life and I felt I was achieving my life-long goal. Unfortunately, I got hit in the head in practice and it was really bad for me. I couldn't describe how bad it is. I'm blessed to have my life right now. I'll see how things work out as far as my health, but my health isn't in tip-top shape right now because of the concussion." Coxson graduated with a degree in business and African-American studies. Coxson signed with the Packers in May, a three-year deal that included a $5,000 signing bonus. "It felt good to be a Packer," Coxson said. "Not just being a packer, but to be playing on that level and catch passes from Aaron Rodgers. He's the best. It was real cool. He's a real humble guy, a good guy to be around who teaches the young guys how to do it." Coxson said he's looking forward and focused on being the best possible father for his young son, Adrian Jr. "I take pride in that, I take pride in being able to function right now from this injury," Coxson said. "I'm concerned about my health and I'm concerned about how healthy I am and I want to get to as close to 100 percent as I can get. I'm concerned about the outcome of this whole injury. It was a bad one." aaron.wilson@chron.com twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL