Husain Abdullah facts for kids
Abdullah in 2014
|
|||||||||||||
| No. 39 | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Safety | ||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||
| Born: | July 27, 1985 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
||||||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 204 lb (93 kg) | ||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||
| High school: | Pomona (Pomona, California) | ||||||||||||
| College: | Washington State (2003–2007) | ||||||||||||
| Undrafted: | 2008 | ||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||||||
Husain Abdullah, born on July 27, 1985, is a former American football player. He played as a safety. He played for the Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League (NFL). He joined the Vikings in 2008. Husain stopped playing football after seven seasons. This was because he had several concussions and was worried about his health. He played college football at Washington State University. His older brother, Hamza Abdullah, was also an NFL safety.
Contents
Early Life and High School Football
Husain Abdullah grew up in Los Angeles, California. He went to Pomona High School. He was very well known for his skills in sports. In high school, he was the captain of his football team. He played as a defensive back and also helped on special teams by returning kicks.
During his second year, Husain was named the team's best defensive player. He was also chosen as the "rookie of the year." In his third year, he won the All-Inland Valley award. By his senior year, he was ranked as the 9th best safety on the West Coast.
Playing in the NFL
Starting with the Minnesota Vikings
.jpg)
Husain Abdullah was not chosen in the NFL draft, but he later signed with the Minnesota Vikings. From 2008 to 2009, he played as a backup player. Before the 2010 season, he became the starting strong safety. Many thought other players would get the job, but Husain won it.
In the 2011 season, Husain became the starting free safety. However, his season ended early because he got a concussion. This was his fourth concussion in about 15 months.
Playing for the Kansas City Chiefs
After taking a year off from football, Husain Abdullah joined the Kansas City Chiefs. He signed a one-year contract with them. In the 2013 season, he played in all 16 games, starting two of them. He also started in the Chiefs' playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts. In that game, he made two interceptions, which tied a team record for playoff games.
After the 2013 season, Husain signed another contract with the Chiefs on March 12, 2014. During a game on September 29, 2014, against the New England Patriots, Husain intercepted a pass and ran it back for a touchdown. He was given a penalty for celebrating by sliding on his knees and bowing down. The next day, the NFL said the penalty was a mistake and should not have been given. This event caused a lot of discussion online.
Why Husain Abdullah Retired
Husain Abdullah decided to retire from football on March 28, 2016. He was worried about his health because he had five concussions during his career. He later wrote an essay for The Players Tribune to explain his decision more. He wanted to protect his future health.
Personal Life
Husain Abdullah is one of 12 children. His parents are Yusuf and Sa'eeda Johnwell. He is a practicing Muslim. This means he observes Ramadan by fasting, even during the football season. He took the 2012–2013 season off to go on Hajj to Mecca with his brother, Hamza Abdullah. Hajj is a special pilgrimage for Muslims. Husain is also a member of the Alpha Lambda Mu fraternity, which is the first Muslim fraternity in America.
