Miami cornerback Malek Young left in the second quarter of the Hurricanes’ Orange Bowl loss to Wisconsin and never returned. That fateful play that knocked him out, we now know, has ended Young’s promising career.
Young suffered a neck injury against the Badgers, and the surgery to fix it will force the end of the rising junior’s career.
“After discussions with my family and the UM medical staff we have determined that my football career should come to an end,” Young said in a statement. “I look forward to getting healthy, working towards my degree and continuing to support my teammates, as I know they will continue to support me.”
These unfortunate situations are always double-edged swords. First, you’re disappointed that a career ends before it has to end. But at the same time you’re thankful that the player gets out of the game before a catastrophic injury can occur, leaving him healthy to live the rest of his non-football life.
“While we’re disappointed that Malek’s football career is over, his health is our top priority,” head coach Mark Richt said. “Malek is a terrific young man, one who I’m confident will go on to accomplish great things. He will remain on full scholarship and we will support him every step of the way.”
Something I wrote 4 years ago & God has a bigger & better purpose but whatever he has chosen for me I BELIEVE 🙏🏿 #Humble Child #HC #HCTL pic.twitter.com/v4Z2kcfHNq
— Humble Child (@MalekYoung) January 21, 2018
Young appeared in all 13 games this season, collecting 43 tackles, three tackles for loss, two picks -- the Miami Herald noted Young was the first player to receive Miami’s noted Turnover Chain -- and a team-high eight pass breakups.