New York Giants defensive end Owa Odighizuwa's football future is in doubt after he explained in a series of tweets that he was going to take some time away from the game.
It came as a surprise to a handful of teammates, none of who were aware of the decision before being informed of the tweets.
Odighizuwa was off the grid after making the announcement on Monday afternoon. Several individuals close to the 2015 third-round pick were unaware of any plan to step away from football prior to the tweets. They could not reach him on Monday afternoon.
The Giants were looking into the tweets and are currently unsure of Odighizuwa's future with the team. It is believed to be a fluid situation as he deals with some "emotional things" at this time, a source told ESPN.
I have all love for everyone.. at the point and time I believe it's in my best interest to take sometime to get away from the game.
— owamagbe odighizuwa (@LPJ_Odighizuwa) April 3, 2017
However this is the best platform to express something of the things that has been on my mind for a while
— owamagbe odighizuwa (@LPJ_Odighizuwa) April 3, 2017
I truly apologize that it has to be made known like this
— owamagbe odighizuwa (@LPJ_Odighizuwa) April 3, 2017
The Giants were hoping for a breakout year from the third-year defensive end. He has been hampered by injuries since being selected out of UCLA.
Odighizuwa, 25, has played in just 18 games and is still in search of his first career sack, but the Giants need another pass rusher behind starting defensive ends Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul. If healthy, Odighizuwa would be a practical choice.
"Big year for Owa," coach Ben McAdoo told reporters last week at the NFL's annual meetings. "Counting on him to get better."
The Giants begin their offseason workout program April 18. Those are optional. The first mandatory date is June 13-15, when they hold a minicamp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
Odighizuwa has a $40,000 workout bonus payable this year if he completes 90 percent of the offseason workout program which begins later this month.
The Giants would carry $370,250 in dead money if he unexpectedly retired.