Injuries have finally gotten the best of one of Wisconsin’s most veteran and talented offensive linemen.
Wisconsin announced Tuesday that Dan Voltz has elected to retire from the sport of football. Injuries, specifically a recent one to one of his knees that’s continued to linger, as the reason behind the interior lineman’s decision to step away from the game.
The senior plans on staying involved with the program, although in what capacity it’s yet to be specified.News from #Badgers camp: OL Dan Voltz has elected to retire from football. Called it tough decision. Plans on staying close to the program.
— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) August 23, 2016
“It’s been a hard decision to make,” Voltz said in quotes distributed by the team. “Something I’ve dealt with pretty much my whole career is injuries. For physical reasons, (that’s) the main reason that it kind of forced me to start thinking about this. ...
“This program has really been a big part of my life for going on five years now, and is something I deeply care about. I’m going to remain a big part of the program. My role is just going to shift from playing to helping out in other ways. That made the transition a lot easier for me, especially letting the O-line know that I’m not going to fade away from that group. I’m going to be a big part of what they do.”
Voltz has started 27 games the past three seasons. After starting six games as a redshirt freshman in 2013, he started all 14 in 2014 and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. He started seven games in 2015, with a knee injury ultimately sidelining the lineman for the last five games of the year.
Earlier this offseason, he was named to the Outland Trophy and Rimington Award watch list.