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The UNLV running back who suffered a heart attack during a workout last week will be forced to retire from football, according to a report from the Las Vegas Journal-Review.
Darran Williams suffered a heart attack during a workout last Tuesday that has left him in the hospital for a week. He was in a medically-induced coma for 72 hours but was in stable condition during the time, per KLAS-TV. Williams is now awake and responding, according to a report that came out late last week.
At the time of the situation, UNLV Athletic Department released a statement, saying Williams suffered a “medical episode” during a team practice on Tuesday morning. It occurred during the warm-up portion of the workout, according to the statement from the school.
This week, Williams’ father, Keith Williams, told the Las Vegas Journal-Review that his son has an enlarged heart and will require the use of a defibrillator. That will force Darran Williams to retire from the sport.
Though he won’t be able to play, Williams will remain with the team in an unspecified role and will retain his scholarship, without it counting against UNLV’s limit.
Williams appeared in five games for the Rebels in 2019, taking 25 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown. He also caught two passes for 11 yards. This was Williams’ first year at UNLV after transferring from junior college.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB