College football world reacts to Northwestern RB's retirement on Twitter
Terrible news came out of Evanston, Illinois on Monday morning, as Northwestern running back Jeremy Larkin was forced to medically retire from football after being diagnosed with cervical stenosis.
While the condition is not life-threatening, it will not permit Larkin to continue to participate in football.
“Football has been a lifelong passion and it has been a process to reconcile the fact that I won’t be on that field again,” Larkin said in a statement Monday. “I came to this university to engage in the absolute highest level on the field and in the classroom, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue one of those while supporting my teammates from the sideline.”
Monday’s news came as a huge surprise all across the college football landscape. Here’s just some of the reaction from Twitter after the announcement:
My heart stopped immediately when I found out. But more than anything, I know your contagious, positive energy will continue to guide you in your future endeavors and continue to lead this team! Love you bro @DEUCE__8 ✊🏽 https://t.co/njnNfMgS5K
— Jared Thomas (@JaredThomas_33) September 24, 2018
All love from the brotherhood. ❤️🏈✊#B1GCats pic.twitter.com/uV7Ju4YtSz
— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) September 24, 2018
Best role model I could have asked for enrolling into college early this January. love you brother https://t.co/21ey6EYWnR
— Isaiah Bowser (@zaybowser) September 24, 2018
Some of the most heartbreaking news from one of my brothers and one of NU’s all-time great RB’s @DEUCE__8. Whatever he does in life he will be great at just like he was football. All love my brother ✊🏾 #BleedPurple
— Justin Jackson (@J_ManPrime21) September 24, 2018
Brutal news out of Northwestern, where top RB Jeremy Larkin has medically retired from football due to a recent diagnosis of cervical stenosis.
Larkin and Pat Fitzgerald: pic.twitter.com/Di7s7q7u9x
— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) September 24, 2018
Brutal injury news today in CFB: Minnesota's Antoine Winfield out for the year (broken foot); VT QB Josh Jackson out with broken tibia; Northwestern RB Jeremy Larkin retiring (spinal stenosis); Nick Bosa still out for Ohio State.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) September 24, 2018
Well this sucks – Northwestern sophomore RB Jeremy Larkin is done playing football. pic.twitter.com/LedJijefq7
— Jeremy Birmingham (@Birm) September 24, 2018
The news about NW rb Larkin is scary. praying for a great & healthy recovery ✊🏼
— Joe Bachie (@JoeBach35) September 24, 2018
Larkin was emerging as one of the top running backs in the B1G this season, taking over for the departed Justin Jackson. In Week 1 against Purdue, Larkin racked up 143 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries to lead the Wildcats to a 31-27 victory over the Boilermakers.
Through three games this season, Larkin had rushed for 346 yards and a five touchdowns.
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald said Larkin will still be with the team and will join the staff as a student assistant coach.