Cowboys cut former first-round pick after he abruptly retires just three practices into training camp

Gareon Conley's goal of getting back to the NFL came to an abrupt end

By John Breech Jul 29, 2024 at 11:18 am ET• 1 min read

After nearly five years out of the NFL, Gareon Conley was looking to revive his career in Dallas, but that won't be happening. 

The Cowboys released the former first-round pick on Sunday in a move that came after just three practices of training camp. The Cowboys actually weren't planning to cut Conley, but they were forced to make the move after the cornerback abruptly decided to retire. 

Conley took to social media on Monday to explain why he made the sudden decision to retire. 

"I've been dealing with pain in my leg since getting my first surgery my rookie year, getting a rod and two screws in my leg for a stress fracture in my tibia," Conley wrote.