Northwestern running back Jeremy Larkin has made the decision to medically retire from football due to a recent diagnoses of cervical stenosis, according to a report.

Both Larkin and head coach Pat Fitzgerald issued statements on Monday morning after the decision. The official Twitter account of Northwestern tweeted out those statements.

“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. “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.”

According to Northwestern, the diagnoses of cervical stenosis is not life-threatening, but will not permit Larkin to continue to participate on the football field.

“This is heartbreaking because I see every day how much Jeremy loves this game, loves his teammates, and loves to compete,” Fitzgerald said.

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.