SEATTLE — The Seattle Seahawks have announced the retirement of center Connor Williams due to personal reasons, as shared by coach Mike Macdonald on Friday.

Macdonald clarified that Williams’ decision is unrelated to the ACL injury he sustained last year, which necessitated surgery.

“We respect his wishes and will keep the details of his departure private for obvious reasons. We wish him all the best moving forward,” Macdonald expressed.

Williams, who was in his seventh season in the NFL, had signed a one-year contract with the Seahawks in August and has been a starter in every game so far this season.

At 27 years old, Williams did not participate in practice this week. The Seahawks, currently at a 4-5 record, are scheduled to face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Originally picked in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys in 2018, Williams spent his first four seasons with the Cowboys before moving to the Miami Dolphins for two years. He tore his ACL last December.

Olu Oluwatimi, a fifth-round draft choice in 2023, is expected to take over Williams’ spot. Oluwatimi made one start last year and has played in four games this season.

“It’s certainly an unexpected situation that we must confront, but the bright side is that it gives us a chance to see Olu in action,” Macdonald noted. “He has been working diligently and effectively filled in at center throughout the offseason until we signed Connor.”