National Football League

Cliff Avril: Health was more important than returning to the Super Bowl

Published May. 19, 2015 3:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril was injured in the third-quarter of the Super Bowl with an apparent concussion.

The Seahawks training staff did not let Avril back into the game, which of course disappointed Avril at the time, but now that he looks back on it, he is very happy with the decision the trainers made.

Avril was on 710 ESPN Seattle's "Justin and Gee" Monday to talk about his injury in Super Bowl XLIX.

"It was tough," he said. "It was tough, but at the same time, though, I appreciated the training staff for not allowing me to go back in. At the end of the day, we play a great sport, a great game, but I think our health is very important as well."

Could Avril have made a difference on that final play? It is something no one will never know, but Avril is glad he wasn't allowed to re-enter the game.

"It's unfortunate that I couldn't play," he said. "But again, like I said, I appreciate them for keeping me out because those head injuries aren't anything to be played with."

(h/t MyNorthwest.com)