The Texans will go forward without safety Andre Hal as he announced his retirement on social media Tuesday.

Hal returned from a successful fight with Hodgkin's Lymphoma to play in eight games. As a part of the safety rotation Hal pulled down three interceptions which tied the team lead, defended five passes, and had 13 tackles.

The former seventh-round pick signed a three-year extension with the Texans before the 2017 season. In the summer of 2018, Hal revealed his cancer diagnosis. Hal said in his statement it was not his health that has led him to retirement.

Hal retires third all-time in Texans history for interceptions with 12 trailing Dunta Robinson (13) and Kareem Jackson and Johnathan Joseph (16 each).

Cody's Take

Not many players get to walk away when they want and how they want so props to Andre Hal for being able to go on his terms. He was one of the nicest players to cover on the team. He always had a minute and his outlook was always positive, even in the face of cancer. He is a testament to hard work and believing in yourself. A seventh-round pick who changed positions and earned a second contract. I wish him the best.

The Texans safety room is pretty thin now. Justin Reid is back and the team brought in free agent Tashaun Gipson from the Jaguars. If the team knew Hal was considering retirement it seems like a poor choice to have Kareem Jackson escape the safety room. A.J. Moore and Mike Tyson are the other current safeties on the roster. The team will need to look at some free agents to help fill out the room and maybe even a draft pick to solidfy the future of the spot. This, in addition to tackle and cornerback, is just another item on general manger Brian Gaine's shopping list.