Khari Willis, safety for the Indianapolis Colts, has announced his retirement from the NFL to devote his life to God.
Willis posted a statement on his Instagram on Wednesday that read, “With much prayer and deliberation, I have elected to officially retire from the NFL as I endeavor to devote the remainder of my life to the further advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I thank all of my family, friends and those who have supported me on this journey thus far and I look forward to your continued support through the next phase of my life.”
Willis is doing what God commands all followers of Jesus Christ to do in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation.”
Willis also thanked the Indianapolis Colts organization for granting him the opportunity to compete in the National Football League for the past three years.
#Colts safety Khari Willis is retiring after three seasons. He explains why 👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/F8aac44Ecp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 15, 2022
“I’ve built lifelong relationships with numerous teammates, coaches and support staff that have impacted me greatly. The lessons that I’ve learned in this phase of my life will be valuable for me in my next chapter,” he wrote.
In 2019, Willis arrived in Indianapolis after becoming a fourth-round pick from his native Michigan State. He appeared in 14 games in his first season. 2020 was his best season professionally, according to the NFL.
Frank Reich, the Colts coach, also made his own statement in support of Willis.
“We’re thankful and appreciative of Khari’s contributions to the Colts both on and off the field over the last three seasons. Khari’s character, leadership, and professionalism will be missed in our locker room as will his play on Sundays. I admire and respect his decision to transition into the next stage of his life and ministry and my prayers will always be with him,” he wrote.
Willis is looking forward to his future as he is “both humbled and excited” to pursue “the holy call that God has” for his life, which brings him “much joy and purpose.”