Northwestern announced Wednesday morning that defensive end Sean McEvilly has retired from football following repeated injury issues.
The defensive end played in only five games during the 2013 season due to a foot injury, and another foot injury knocked him out for the 2014 season before it even started. He's now been forced to end his football career because of "chronic orthopedic issues."
"It's disappointing to not be on the field opening camp this week, but this is the right decision not just for my health and future, but for the team," McEvilly said in the announcement. "I'm so thankful for the teammates and coaches I've competed alongside and the opportunity I've had at Northwestern over the last five years. I can't begin to express my gratitude to my parents for helping me reach this point. I will leave here as a two-time graduate of this university and will always be a Wildcat."
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McEvilly played in 19 games during the 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons, making 13 starts. He was expected to be a major contributor both this season and last before injuries cost him both of those years on the field.
"This has been an extremely difficult conclusion for Sean to reach, and it is the best one for him right now and for the long-term," head coach Pat Fitzgerald said in the announcement. "He's been an outstanding leader and mentor for his teammates whether on or off the field the last several years and will continue to be a big part of this team. It's been a privilege watching him develop as a young man, he has a tremendously bright future ahead of him."