Wisconsin tight end Luke Benzschawel has had to make the difficult decision to step away from football. After multiple surgeries, Benzschawel won’t be able to play his final season with the Badgers.

On Monday, Benzschawel made the difficult announcement to medically retire from football. He made his decision public on Twitter, citing a fourth surgery on his knee as the main reason behind his decision.

“I consider myself fortunate to have been part of the Wisconsin football program for the past four years,” Benzschawel wrote. “I have not been as fortunate when it comes to my health, however. After undergoing a fourth procedure on my knee, and despite giving everything I have to get back on the field, my doctors and I have decided that the time has come for me to step away from the game.

“To say this was a difficult decision would be an understatement, but…I’m proud to be a Badger. And I’m looking forward to finding other opportunities to support my teammates and continue contributing to our success.”

Benzschawel appeared in 15 career games for the Badgers, making four starts during his time in Madison. He was a former three-star prospect and was a member of Wisconsin’s 2016 recruiting class. He redshirted in 2016 before appearing in five games in 2017 and 10 more in 2018.

Benzschawel did not play in a game during the 2019 season due to injury.