Seahawks release Avril with failed physical designation

The Seattle Seahawks announced Friday that they have released veteran defensive end Cliff Avril with a failed physical designation.

Avril has spent 10 seasons in the NFL, the last five coming with the Seahawks.

He was limited to four games in 2017 due to a neck injury and was reportedly dealing with nerve damage that required surgery. Head coach Pete Carroll acknowledged at the time that he would have a "hard time playing football again."

Avril was a part of the Seahawks' Super Bowl XLVIII championship team and was involved in one of the biggest plays of the game. He forced the errant pass from Peyton Manning that led to Malcolm Smith's 69-yard pick-6 just before halftime.

He's just one season removed from his first trip to the Pro Bowl after recording 11.5 sacks in 2016.

Thank you 12s for making the last 5 years in Seattle so amazing! Your cheers on Sundays are unmatched, and you guys are by far the best fans in the NFL! Most importantly, I appreciate and value the lifelong friendships I've made. You all have supported my family, my foundation (the Cliff Avril Family Foundation), and I throughout my entire tenure, and I could not have asked for more! THANK YOU to the entire Seahawk organization as well as my teammates. You all made me a Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl Champ! I am forever grateful. THANK YOU! #HAITIANCREATION

A post shared by Cliff Avril (@cliffavril) on May 4, 2018 at 12:15pm PDT

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