Minnesota’s offensive line has taken an unexpected in-season hit.
A team spokesman confirmed to the St. Paul Pioneer Press that Nick Connelly has retired from the Gophers football team and, presumably, the sport entirely. The confirmation comes a couple of weeks after the offensive lineman left a Week 5 loss to Purdue with an unspecified injury.
While no details regarding the specific injury that triggered the redshirt sophomore’s retirement, it appears multiple concussions provided the impetus.It’s 5 known concussions in the last 6 years for #Gophers RT Nick Connelly. Had another recent one, and now isn’t listed on the roster.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) October 24, 2017
Connelly had started the first five games at right tackle for the Gophers this season. Last season, he played in nine games, mostly on special teams.