RENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks released veteran defensive end Cliff Avril with a failed physical designation, the team announced Friday.
A third-round pick by the Detroit Lions out of Purdue University, Avril joined the Seahawks as an unrestricted free agent in 2013.
In five seasons with Seattle, Avril recorded 41 sacks in 77 games (playoff stats included) and was a member of the Super Bowl XLVIII winning Seahawks.
Avril's suffered a neck injury in a game against the Detroit Lions last year in what would ultimately be his last game with the Seahawks.
The @Seahawks released/failed physical @cliffavril today. We thank Cliff for being an important piece in bringing a Super Bowl title to Seattle through his leadership and passion for the 12s and the community.https://t.co/ITWDKH0jhc
— Seahawks PR (@seahawksPR) May 4, 2018
Thank you @cliffavril, for your great impact in the community and on the football field. pic.twitter.com/qMUKPqcqe3
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) May 4, 2018
In addition to his dominant play on the field, Avril has been a valuable member of the community.
Avril was the team's 2016 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award nominee for his work building schools in Haiti.
Avril shared a post over Instagram Friday, thanking the Seahawks team and its fans for the good times he's had as a Seattle player.
"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," Avril wrote in part.
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