A medical issue bigger than football has forced De’Gabriel Floyd to walk away from the sport permanently.
It was confirmed in early April that Floyd would miss his entire true freshman season at Texas after being diagnosed with cervical stenosis, a narrowing of the spine. Because of the potential dangers and increased risks associated with the condition, Floyd announced Monday on social media that he has been forced to medically retire from football.
“I want to thank [G]od, my family, The University of Texas, and all of those who elevate me towards my dream,” Floyd wrote. “I am forever thankful for all of you, because my life could of went a totally different direction if I walked it completely alone.”
That’s all for the savage...on to new life endeavors.🤞🏽🖤 pic.twitter.com/PyLwwc28l4
— lmb_dg (@dgfromlmb) December 2, 2019
A four-star member of the Longhorns’ 2019 recruiting class, Floyd was rated as the No. 3 inside linebacker in the country; the No. 13 player at any position in the state of California; and the No. 67 recruit overall on 247Sports.com‘s composite board. He was the highest-rated signee on the defensive side of the ball for UT earlier this year.