Corey Robinson, the son of former Navy player and NBA Hall of Famer David Robinson, is quitting football at Notre Dame after suffering three diagnosed concussions in the past year.
Robinson, a 21-year-old senior wide receiver, missed most of spring practice because of a concussion and plans to remain with the team as a student assistant coach this fall. He will also serve as Notre Dame’s student body president.
“After much contemplation and prayer, I have decided not to continue playing football due to multiple concussions,” Robinson said in a statement released by the school. “I couldn’t have come to this difficult personal decision without the incredible support from so many within the Notre Dame football program.”
Robinson is one of a growing number of athletes who choose to walk away from football as awareness increases about the likely link between concussions and repeated head trauma to chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Robinson has been considering his options for a while after meeting with Dr. Jeff Kutcher of the Sports Neurology Clinic, which specializes in sports concussion management and treatment, in April.
“Corey had a meeting with Dr. Kutcher, who we feel is one of the best,” Coach Brian Kelly said after spring practice in April (via ESPN). “… His family was with him. And I think it was an extremely educational meeting for him. I’m very hesitant to go into the details because I think that’s a private matter for Corey.
“But I know this: That he came back feeling really good about the meeting, and I think a decision will be forthcoming relative to what his future is. It was great that we were able to get him with somebody with that kind of knowledge, and I know he feels a whole lot better about that meeting.”
On Wednesday, Robinson thanked Kelly, whose team was 39-12 during Robinson’s playing career. He caught 16 passes for 200 yards and a touchdown in 12 games last season. He would have been the Irish’s top returning receiver in the fall, with With 65 catches for 896 yards and seven touchdowns in 38 college games.
“I couldn’t have come to this difficult personal decision without the incredible support from so many within the Notre Dame football program,” Robinson said. “I am extremely thankful to Coach Kelly and his staff for the life-changing opportunity to play football at the greatest University in the world. I will continue to help our team as a student assistant and look forward to a great senior year.”
“This was an extremely tough decision for Corey,” Kelly said in the university’s press release (via The Observer). “He’s such a committed kid to everything he does – whether it be academics, football, community service or campus leadership initiatives – that he wanted to finish his four-year career on the field. He was so excited to lead a group of young receivers this fall.”
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