There’s heartbreaking and unkind, and then there’s what God has wrought on Kelby Brown‘s knees.
In late November of 2010, the Duke linebacker tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee. He tore the ACL in the same knee in February of 2012 and missed that entire season. Unbelievably, in August of last year, he tore the ACL in his left knee and missed all of the entire 2014 season.
Incredibly, Brown sustained a fourth ACL tear last Tuesday, the second to his left knee. In a press release, the school confirmed that this latest injury will end Brown’s collegiate career.
“It’s difficult to put into words the feeling of heartbreak I have for Kelby and his family,” Duke head coach David Cutcliffe said in a statement. “While we will certainly miss his athletic abilities and leadership as one of the best linebackers to play at Duke, what is most important above all else is Kelby’s health. He is a truly special young man who is destined to accomplish great things in his life. Kelby’s strengths lie in his core values, and I know that despite this setback, he will continue to play an integral part of our program’s success both on and off the field.”
According to the school, Brown will serve the program as a student assistant for the 2015 season.
A first-team All-ACC selection in 2013, Brown ranked second in the conference with 8.8 tackles per game. He was a preseason All-ACC selection in 2014 as well.
All told, Brown started 29 games as a Blue Devil when healthy -- 12 in 2013, 10 in 2011 and seven in 2010. He played in 32 total games.