The football career of Notre Dame Fighting Irish outside linebacker Danny Spond is over, as the senior told teammates he would no longer be able to play with the team due to a medical issue, according to Matt Fortuna of ESPN.com.
Notre Dame LB Danny Spond’s career ends with medical issue
The left side of Spond’s body went numb during an August practice.
Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE
Spond, a starter for the Fighting Irish defense in 2012, dealt with migraines during his junior season, but suffered a health scare in August when the left side of his body went numb during a practice. On Saturday, Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly said that Spond’s family would release further details about his condition later.
“It was an emotional decision,” Kelly said of Spond. “It didn’t come without a lot of thought. He spent the day speaking to a lot of specialists and his family was here, so this was not a decision that came easy.”
“He loves his teammates, but I think what’s most important is he did what was in his best interest for his future,” Kelly added. “He’s got a bright future. And his immediate [future] is he wants to be with the team, and our teammates were excited to hear he’ll be with us every day. He’ll travel with us. He’ll help coach.”
A quarterback at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., Spond was an instant contributor for the Fighting Irish as a freshman, working on special teams. As a junior in 2012, he earned a starting role and helped lead a Notre Dame defense that finished with the second-fewest points allowed in the nation.
Redshirt sophomore Ben Councell and freshman Jaylon Smith are expected to compete for the starting role in Spond's place.
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