Oklahoma junior tight end Grant Calcaterra announced Thursday that he is ending his football career because of multiple concussions, the last being the one he suffered earlier this season.
"Over a month ago, I received a concussion in practice," he said, reading from a prepared statement. "What most of you may not know is that I've had my fair share of concussions in my career. I spent countless hours visiting with OU medical professionals and specialists around the country. Ultimately, we came to the conclusion that it would be best for me to step away from the game."
To everybody who's been a part of my football journey, Thank You.
— Grant Calcaterra (@grcalcaterra) November 22, 2019
Philippians 1:6 pic.twitter.com/OmOlUsLiMV
Toward the end of his statement, Calcaterra said he plans to return to his native Southern California after his May graduation from OU to become a firefighter.
"The impulsiveness, teamwork, leadership, camaraderie and, most importantly, being a part of something that is bigger than myself is all I want in a career," he said.
BENDER: Sizing up Oklahoma's chances to leap Pac-12 champ in Playoff chase
Calcaterra, a first-team All-Big 12 performer for the Sooners in 2018, was limited to five games this year. His last appearance came against Kansas on Oct. 5. He caught five passes for 79 yards and no touchdowns in the 2019 season.
The ninth-ranked Sooners (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) will play TCU in Norman on Saturday night.
