UCLA Linebacker Patrick Larimore Medically Retires

Never lost for words, UCLA’s head coach Jim Mora reacted to Larimore’s decision by saying, “It takes guts, especially at that age, to make the decision, ‘I can’t do it anymore, and if I do my long-term health could be sacrificed.”

The head coach remains optimistic about the future of the star linebacker’s involvement with the university. After Larimore spends “a little time away to grieve football,” Mora is hopeful to retain the team captain in a possible unofficial coaching role. Coach Mora has not given any indication as to who will fill the big cleats left by Larimore, except to say that freshman Aaron Porter’s “learning curve will be accelerated.”

Larimore’s second concussion, which he sustained near the conclusion of spring camp, was originally misdiagnosed as heat exhaustion before doctors discovered the true extent. It was still uncertain when Larimore would return to practice before his fellow players were informed of the shocking news during a team meeting.

Larimore’s retirement is UCLA’s second for medical reasons in the past week alone. Junior offensive lineman Chris Ward also decided to hang up his cleats once his back and knee injuries became too much to manage.