The topic of concussions has developed into one of the most pressing issues in collegiate and professional sports. A once minor problem has become a potentially career ending injury that could impact an athlete’s life further down the line.
West Virginia quarterback Clint Trickett is the most recent player to call it quits because of this serious injury.
Trickett will retire from football after suffering five concussions in the past 14 months. Earlier this week, Trickett was ruled out of the team’s Liberty Bowl appearance against Texas A&M on December 29, but today he announced his intentions to hang up the cleats and pursue a career in coaching. Despite being diagnosed with three concussions this year, Trickett told the media that he had hidden two more concussions from trainers and the symptoms had greatly impacted the way he lived.
Trickett shouldn’t have too many problems making the transition to coaching, since football in his bloodlines. His father, Rick, is currently the offensive line coach at Florida State. The senior quarterback used to be a member of the Seminoles before recognizing Jameis Winston was the ‘Noles future at the position, and transferring to West Virginia last season.
In 2014, Trickett threw for 3, 285 yards and 18 touchdowns while leading the Mountaineers to a 7-5 record including a colossal upset over the Baylor Bears- handing them their only loss of the year.
After two strong performances, head coach Dana Holgorsen will stick with sophomore Skyler Howard for the Liberty Bowl and potentially beyond. Howard has thrown for 483 yards and five touchdowns since taking over for Trickett on November 20 proving he could be the present and future quarterback for the Mountaineers.
*Section Photo credit to Justin K. Aller, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to 247 Sports
