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Devon Witherspoon, Sydney Brown emotionally discuss bowl game decision
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Devon Witherspoon and Sydney Brown made it official Saturday that both players are heading for the 2023 NFL Draft. In order to begin preparing for the draft, both star defensive backs will not play in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
On Saturday, Illinois held a press conference with both players addressing the decision. Both players were understandably emotional while discussing the impact of their time in Champaign and head coach Bret Bielema.
Brown said the past few years under Bielema have significantly changed his life. He also admitted to feeling a bit selfish about his decision to opt-out of the bowl game because he’s always tried to put his teammates first throughout his career.
#illini Sydney Brown: “This wasn’t an easy decision. …These past two years have changed my life completely. It’s a testament to Coach B and everything he does.”
— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) December 17, 2022
#illini Sydney Brown on difficulty of opting out of bowl gae: “I feel selfish. I always put them first and everybody first. …I just feel selfish. It’s hard because I want to be with the guys.”
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 17, 2022
Weatherspoon took time to publicly thank Bielema at the press conference for his work with the Illini the past two seasons. He also addressed having a plaque in Grange Grove and getting remembered by the program down the road.
#illini DB Devon Witherspoon looks directly at Bielema and tells his coach: “Thank you.” Both tearing up.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 17, 2022
#illini DB Devon Witherspoon on having a plaque in Grange Grove and his jersey hanging up in the Smith Center: It’s a wonderful feeling to know I’ll be remembered forever at this place. I just thank God.
— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) December 17, 2022
While Illinois will miss having the duo on the field in the bowl game, there’s no denying the two left a lasting impact during their time in Champaign.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.