After battling injury issues with the same foot over the past couple of seasons, David Gilbert has decided to call it a career, at least collegiately.
Via a press release, Wisconsin confirmed that the defensive tackle will not play for the Badgers football team in 2013. This season is Gilbert’s final year of eligibility.
“This was a difficult decision for me but I have had multiple injuries and surgeries on my foot and feel that no longer playing at UW is the best decision for me,” a portion of Gilbert’s statement read. “I have been dealing with pain in my foot since the injury first occurred and I just need to give it time to fully heal.”
Gilbert played in 25 games his first two seasons in Madison, but missed all but four in 2011 after suffering a season-ending injury to his right foot. While he started 13 games in 2012, he missed all of spring practice this year after undergoing another surgical procedure on the same foot.
When healthy, Gilbert was a force along the Badgers’ defensive line. His 9.5 tackles for loss last season were good for third on the team, while his five sacks were fourth. Following the season, the junior was named honorable mention All-Big Ten.
“David’s decision was part of an ongoing discussion we have had for a number of weeks,” first-year UW head coach Gary Andersen said in his statement. “I would have loved the opportunity to coach David but we always want to do what’s in the best interests of the young man. He needs a year to recover from his injuries and focus on graduating. It is always tough when a young man’s college career comes to an end due to an injury but David knows we are here to support him in any way necessary.”