Granted a sixth season of eligibility last October, Sean McEvilly won’t be able to use it because of the very issues that have him the extra year in the first place.
Northwestern has announced Wednesday that McEvilly has been forced to retire from the game of football and won’t be playing for the Wildcats in 2015. The specified reason for the decision to step away from the game is chronic orthopedic issues.
“This has been an extremely difficult conclusion for Sean to reach, and it is the best one for him right now and for the long-term,” said head coach Pat Fitzgerald in a statement. “He’s been an outstanding leader and mentor for his teammates whether on or off the field the last several years, and will continue to be a big part of this team. It’s been a privilege watching him develop as a young man, he has a tremendously bright future ahead of him.”
McEvilly missed all of the 2014 season with foot issues. After starting the first three games in 2013, he missed most of the remainder of that year with a foot injury. He started the last 10 games of the 2012 season as well.
The good news for the defensive lineman is that he’s already earned his undergraduate degree in economics from NU with a minor in business institutions, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in management studies. He will remain on an athletic scholarship.
“It’s disappointing to not be on the field opening camp this week, but this is the right decision not just for my health and future, but for the team,” said McEvilly. “I’m so thankful for the teammates and coaches I’ve competed alongside, and the opportunity I’ve had at Northwestern over the last five years. I can’t begin to express my gratitude to my parents for helping me reach this point. I will leave here as a two-time graduate of this university and will always be a Wildcat.”