Everyone knew that John Urschel wouldn’t have a problem finding work when his NFL career was over.

The former Penn State offensive lineman began a Ph.D. in mathematics at MIT in 2016, which was after he earned his master’s in the subject in State College.

But Urschel will begin that post-football life sooner than many expected.

Urschel will retire from football at age 26:

Urschel was a fifth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2014 after he was a two-time first-team All-B1G selection. In addition to his on-the-field college honors, Urschel also won the Lowe’s Senior Class Award, as well as the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is considered “the academic Heisman.”

In three seasons with the Ravens, Urschel played in 40 games, 13 of which were starts.

Still, Urschel’s retirement shouldn’t come as a major shock. In 2015, he wrote a piece in the Players’ Tribune about how he envied former Wisconsin star Chris Borland, who retired from football at age 24 because of concerns about the long-term impacts of brain injuries.

Now, Urschel can use his brain full-time to continue his work in mathematics.