In a statement released through Notre Dame Tuesday evening, Danny Spond and the university’s team physician explained the specific nature of the medical issue that forced the now-former linebacker to give up the sport.
In the statement, Spond confirmed that he has suffered from hemiplegic migraines over the past year. Dr. Jennifer Malcolm explained that the type of migraine Spond suffers from “present[s] with temporary stroke-like symptoms, such as weakness and slurred speech.”
Spond said he suffered “another paralyzing migraine early in fall camp,” which “forced [me] to walk away from the game with an extremely heavy heart.” Despite what Spond described as “the best medical treatment and guidance possible. ... an exact cause of these migraines remains undetermined.”
In 2012, Spond missed the first two games of the season due to the migraines. He came back to start the final 11 games of the year.
Spond is on track to graduate next spring with a degree in political science.
Below is the complete statement from Spond:
“My football playing career is over after suffering another paralyzing migraine early in fall camp. I’ve received the best medical treatment and guidance possible. Unfortunately, an exact cause of these migraines remains undetermined, and in order to assure my overall well-being, I’m forced to walk away from the game with an extremely heavy heart.
“This has been an incredibly difficult time for me and my family, but by the Grace of God, we can find comfort in His greater plan. Being a man of God and an ambassador for his word, I have come to realize that in times of questioning His plan you have to let go and let God take over, and that is what I am doing. I’ve played this game my entire life, and losing it makes me feel as if I have lost something inside. But I find comfort in knowing my Lord will open the next chapter in my life and fill what’s been taken.
“I want to sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, thank each and every person who has supported me and my career at Notre Dame for their thoughts and prayers. You are the greatest people and fans in this world and make Notre Dame the most righteous University that I could ever represent; I love each and every one of you so very much. I promise to continue to give all I can to this University this year by coaching my position and providing senior leadership in all ways. You may no longer hear my name on the field, but I promise you, this is not the last you will hear of Danny Spond. With God, my family, and Notre Dame, I will persevere to do great things.”