The lingering effects of significant blows to the head will cost Minnesota one of its most experienced and talented offensive linemen this coming season.
On his Twitter account Tuesday evening, right guard Caleb Bak announced he “won’t be returning for my final year of football.” Bak missed the final three games of the 2013 season due to a concussion, but attempted to come back this spring practice. After participating in three of the 15 spring sessions, Bak was sidelined as the concussion symptoms returned.
"[B]ig thanks to everyone that has supported me over the last 4 years,” Bak wrote in a tweet.
Beginning his Gophers career as a walk-on, Bak went on to start 20 consecutive games on the interior of the line before he was concussed late last season.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press’ Marcus Fuller notes that Bak is the third Gopher offensive lineman the past three years to be forced to retire from the game due to concussions.