Two Texas football players from area high schools, tight end Josh Marshall and defensive tackle Michael Wilcoxon, issued statements today saying they are giving up the sport for medical reasons but will remain in school on medical scholarships.
Marshall, an Arlington Martin graduate, missed last season because of a broken collarbone. He would have been a junior this season.
Wilcoxon, a defensive tackle from Aledo, played in six games last season and was redshirted in 2007. He would have been a sophomore this season.
Wilcoxon said he was walking away from football because of “chronic medical issues.” Marshall said his injury “just isn’t healing right” and he is following the advice of family members and team doctors to focus on his studies. Below is the full text of both players’ statements, distributed by school officials:
JOSH MARSHALL: “I have been dealing with a shoulder injury for a while and, unfortunately, it just isn’t healing right. I spent a lot of time talking with the doctors and trainers about my future. I love football and the opportunity it has given me, but my family and the doctors agree what’s best for my future is to let my body get healthy. I think the best thing I can do is focus my energy on getting my degree. I’ll still be a part of the team and even though I may not be out there playing, I’ll be supporting the guys and helping the coaches any way I can.”
MICHAEL WILCOXON: “I’m really disappointed that I’m not going to be able to be out there with the guys playing, but I’ve been dealing with some chronic medical issues that have prevented me from doing that. I’ve really enjoyed my time over the past two seasons. Getting the chance to play football at the University of Texas is an experience that can never be taken away from me. But when I sat down and looked at my future, I realized that getting healthy, doing well in school and getting my degree was the most important thing. So I’ve decided I need to focus on that. I’ll still be around the team, so I plan on lending my support to the players and coaches any way I can.”
_ Jimmy Burch
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