INDIANAPOLIS — Khari Willis found there was more to life than football.
So on Tuesday, the Indianapolis Colts’ promising 26-year-old starting safety surprised many by retiring to join the ministry.
“I am both humbled and excited to pursue the holy call that God has for my life which brings me much joy and purpose,” Willis wrote in his announcement on Twitter. “Thank you all for the support over the years.”
Indy seemed to have an inkling Willis considered leaving when it excused him from the team’s mandatory three-day minicamp in early June. Back then coach Frank Reich, who studied in the seminary and became a pastor after his football career ended, told reporters Willis was absent for personal reasons.