Linebacker John Abraham of the Arizona Cardinals, who sustained another in a series of concussions Monday night against the San Diego Chargers, has left the team, perhaps for good according to media sources.
One report said Abraham, 36, has been suffering from severe memory loss for more than a year because of concussions he has sustained over course of his 15-year career.
Abraham, who was chosen with the 13th pick of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, believes he needs to take time to get well.
The Cardinals placed him on leave and re-signed linebacker Marcus Benard to take his spot on the roster.
Abraham has 133.5 sacks in his career, the most among active players and ninth on the NFL’s all-time list, in 191 games with the Jets, Atlanta Falcons and Cardinals.
On June 29 he was arrested and charged with DUI after officers found Abraham asleep behind the wheel of his Dodge Challenger at an intersection in Brookhaven, Ga. He refused to take an alcohol breath test and his arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 10.
Abraham missed almost three weeks of the Cardinals’ training camp before reporting on Aug. 14 after spending time in a rehab facility.