Concussion forces Wake’s Tyler Henderson to retire from football

More than ever, college football players -- and those recently removed from this level -- are putting their head health ahead of their playing careers. Just in the past several months, the likes of Texas quarterback David Ash, former Wisconsin linebacker Chris Borland and Michigan offensive lineman Jack Miller have walked away from the game over concussion concerns.

Monday, Tyler Henderson joined that growing list.

On the social media platform Instagram, the Wake Forest sophomore announced that he is retiring from the sport of football. Henderson sustained a concussion in the midst of his true freshman season last year and still, over six months later, he still hasn’t fully recovered.

The concerns for his future health prompted the running back to step away from the game. From Henderson’s heartfelt statement:

“I’ve had a concussion for almost 7 months now, and after lots of praying and talking to numerous doctors and loved ones, I have decided to retire from the game I love and that brings me so much joy. It is such a hard thing to do, but it’s what’s best for my future and my health. I hate that my football career had to end like this and this soon, but I know and I trust that God has a bigger plan for me. “The pain that you’ve been feeling can’t compare to the joy that’s coming” -- Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭18‬. Keep me in your prayers. Football, you will be missed.”

In his only season with the Demon Deacons, Henderson played in six games. He rushed for six yards on three carries.

According to the Gwinnett Daily Post, Henderson is expected to remain on scholarship and help coach running backs at Wake.