Season off for pilgrimage

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Season off for pilgrimage

While brothers Husain and Hamza Abdullahhave not retired, the two defensive backs will be taking the 2012 Season off despite having job opportunities around the NFL.

According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Profootballtalk.com, the brothers will be taking the season off to pilgrimage to Mecca as part of their Islamic faith.

The Abdullah brothers have made their religion a priority throughout their NFL careers. During Ramadan, the brothers have fasted from sunup to sundown. Ramadan typically falls during training camp.

"I visited Makkah, Saudi Arabia in March and a strong sense of urgency overcame me to attend 'Hajj' in October," Husain said. "I love the game of football, but it would directly coincide with my pilgrimage. So, I'm taking some time off."

Safety Husain, 26, started in all nine games in which he appeared last season for the Minnesota Vikings, finishing with 44 tackles, a sack and an interception. The Vikings offered Husain a contract during the offseason, and he likely would have started for the team had he accepted. He was one of the team's better defensive backs last season.

Hamza, 28, appeared in all 16 games last season for the Arizona Cardinals, mostly on special teams. He has played for three teams during his seven-year career.

Husain informed the Vikings of his decision. The team also has lost cornerback Asher Allen, who retired unexpectedly at 24 this offseason. It might be a difficult season for the Minnesota defensive backs against NFC North quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Jay Cutler.

Both brothers say they hope to return to the NFL in 2013.

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Season off for pilgrimage