Northwestern sophomore running back Jeremy Larkin has retired from football effective immediately due to a recent diagnosis of cervical stenosis, the university announced.
The Wildcats noted that the diagnosis is not life-threatening but will prevent Larkin from playing football. The neck injury is defined as the narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck.
"Football has been a lifelong passion and it has been a process to reconcile the fact I won't be on that field again, given I've played this game since I was five years old" Larkin said in a statement. "I'm extremely appreciative of the Northwestern sports medicine and athletic training staffs for uncovering this condition, and for my coaches and the medical staff for always putting my health first.