Clemson Defensive End Justin Foster Decided To Step Away From Football For Medical Reasons

Clemson Defensive End Justin Foster Decided To Step Away From Football For Medical Reasons

Clemson Defensive End Justin Foster Decided To Step Away From Football For Medical Reasons

Justin Foster is a national champion.

The Clemson defensive end helped the Tigers claim the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2018.

RELATED: Penn State Running Back Journey Brown Medically Retires From Football

In 2019, Foster had a breakout year, having career highs in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, and games played.

In 2021, Foster has decided to step away from the game he loves.

“Today (February 24) is a difficult day for me, but it is also a day of reflection and gratitude,” Foster said in a Tweet. “With sadness but no regret, I have decided it is in my best interest to call it a career and hang up football. Playing for Clemson University, the fans, Coach Swinney, the coaches, and the support staff has been a tremendous honor. During my four years as a Clemson Tiger, I’ve always pursued success in the classroom and on the field while preparing and training with the highest competition standards, passion, and perseverance.”

Foster detailed why he made this decision.

“For those unaware, I was born with asthma and allergies that, when active, affect my ability to breathe normally,” Foster said. “The combination of these conditions, along with contracting COVID, made for a severe difficulty to perform physically. While my situation has improved, I am not in a position now, nor do I see that position soon, to step back on the field. After consulting multiple medical professionals, my focus is more on recovering for the long term.”

Foster talked about the amount of time and thought that was put into making such a big decision.

“This decision came after months of recovery and treatment, which required asking a lot of difficult questions regarding my future,” Foster said. “Questions to medical professionals and myself. I want to thank the Clemson medical staff and all the doctors involved in my treatment in their efforts to get me back to full health. While I still have a way to go, I feel confident that I will fully recover.”

Foster went on to thank Coach Swinney, the coaches, the support staff, and those involved with the football program and Clemson. Foster also thanked his teammates and said he’ll miss taking the field with them.

Foster announced in 2016 including a picture with Coach Swinney, that he’d be choosing Clemson after narrowing down a list that included other major schools such as Notre Dame, Alabama, Stanford, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

“Today is a new chapter filled with many emotions…Thanks for all of your support as I look to my next chapter,” Foster said.

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