Linebacker Danny Spond was a key component of Notre Dame’s second-ranked scoring defense last year. However, his career with the Irish is officially over.
Brian Kelly announced Saturday that Spond, a senior, will hang up the cleats because of medical issue -- an “emotional decision,” per Kelly.
“It didn’t come without a lot of thought,” Kelly said. “He spent the day speaking to a lot of specialists and his family was here, so this was not a decision that came easy.
“He loves his teammates, but I think what’s most important is he did what was in his best interest for his future. He’s got a bright future. And his immediate [future] is he wants to be with the team, and our teammates were excited to hear he’ll be with us every day. He’ll travel with us. He’ll help coach.”
Spond will certainly be missed. After sitting out the first two games of the season in 2012 because of numbness in the left side of his body (he was later determined to have severe migraines), Spond started the final 11 matches and finished with 39 tackles.
It’s a tough situation, but likely one that’s for the best.