Former Green Bay Packers safety Sean Richardson, whose career was put on hold after he underwent a second cervical fusion surgery in January, is ready to resume his football career.
"It wasn't a tough decision. I love the game of football. My agent and [renowned neck and spine specialist] Dr. [Robert] Watkins have made sure I've gone through the same protocols I did with my first injury," Richardson told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan. "I had multiple opinions from the top doctors just like after my first surgery. I've talked to my family and my agent and Dr. Watkins about the pros and cons.
"The worst that would happen is another herniated disk. We had five steps we had to check off to be able to start back playing, and I met all the criteria. I will be able to play at a high level again."
Richardson's agent, Brian Parker of Rep1 Sports, told ESPN that the defensive back has been cleared to work out for NFL teams.
"We've heard from a dozen teams lately checking in and keeping tabs," Richardson said. "I leave talking to the teams up to my agent, but I've spoken to a few that my agent asked me to visit with personally."
Richardson last played in 2015, when his season ended after three games because of a neck injury.
His first fusion surgery took place after his rookie year in 2012, and he missed the second half of that season and all of 2013 before he returned to the field.
Richardson, known in NFL personnel circles as one of the best special-teams players in the game, signed a rare restricted free-agent contract with the Oakland Raiders in April 2015.
The Raiders wanted Richardson to play safety and on special teams, but the Packers wound up matching the one-year, $2.55 million fully guaranteed deal. The New York Giants also had interest in Richardson to play as a box safety.
The 26-year-old defensive back was originally signed by the Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2012, and he made the opening day roster as a special-teams player.