Malek Young, the first Miami football player to wear the often replicated never duplicated “Turnover Chain” this season, is going to have to hang up his cleats.
On Sunday, reports surfaced that the sophomore defensive back is set to undergo career-ending neck surgery.
Young reportedly suffered the injury during the first quarter of the Hurricanes loss to the Wisconsin Badgers in the Orange Bowl.
Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports reported thenews:
Sad news for #Miami standout CB: Malek Young will undergo career-ending surgery for a neck injury he sustained during the Hurricanes’ game against Wisconsin in the Capital One Orange Bowl.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 21, 2018
Miami defensive coordinator Manny Diaz sent a message of encouragement to Young after learning the news.
“God has the best plan, even when we don’t understand His ways or His timing,” Diaz wrote. “You are a great warrior and a true Cane… and there can only be one first… you’ll always be the first to rock the chain!”
God has the best plan, even when we don't understand His ways or His timing. You are a great warrior and a true Cane…and there can only be one first…you'll always be the 1️⃣st to rock the chain! ⛓📙_📗⛓ pic.twitter.com/fJDLCuXbjT
— Manny Diaz (@Coach_MannyDiaz) January 21, 2018
During the 2017 campaign, Young recorded 43 tackles, 8 pass breakups and two interceptions. He started in 10 games and appeared in all 13 this season.
