Ryan Day confirms medical retirement for Avery Henry, says he will remain with Ohio State

Ryan Day confirmed on Wednesday that offensive lineman Avery Henry has medically retired from football. However, Henry will remain with the team throughout the upcoming season.

Henry announced in December of last year that he had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that is most often found in teenagers and young adults. He began treatment in January at Ohio State’s James Cancer Hospital and, back in May, revealed that his cancer was in remission.

Day told reporters at the Big Ten’s media event on Wednesday that Henry underwent a procedure that will “make it virtually impossible to play football.”

Ryan Day said Ohio State offensive lineman Avery Henry, who recently beat Osteosarcoma cancer, had to have a procedure done that will "make it virtually impossible to play football [again]." He said Avery is still with the team and his fight will inspire his teammates this year. pic.twitter.com/vWgq05k5rf

— Justin Holbrock (@JustinHolbrock) July 26, 2023

Henry is in his second year with the Buckeye program after redshirting last fall. He signed with the program as a 3-star prospect from Saint Clairsville.

He shared a bit more about his situation on his Twitter page:

I’ve been dreading this post for awhile but it has to be done. As many of you have asked “can you return to football” and the quick and easy response is no. Osteosarcoma/Chemo Takes a lot from you. Medical doctors have told me they wouldn’t clear me and It’s extremely dangerous.

— King_Henry2.0 (@AveryHenry731) July 26, 2023