Curtis White Forced to End Football Career

Ducks’ sophomore tight end, Curtis White, will retire from the football program due to complications of multiple injuries. The former highly-ranked recruit from Eugene has had a couple of injury plagued seasons and was unable to complete his dream to play for Oregon.

White committed to the program during his sophomore year in high school. He played on both sides of the ball during his tenure at Sheldon High School in Eugene, tight end and defensive end. In his senior year, White had 44 catches, 773 yards, and 12 touchdowns en route to a 14-0 season for the Irish. During his junior year, he led the team with 61 catches.

The recruting pages had White listed as at top five in both tight end (Rivals and ESPN) and defensive end (Scout). He had no lower than a four-star ranking in any service, and was easily the highest prospect out of the state of Oregon.

Injuries were a problem even back in high school. A shoulder injury affected a lot of White’s senior season in 2009. A second surgery was needed on the shoulder at the beginning of 2010. He started at the college that summer, but it was clear that the injury was still bothering him.

Things didn’t get much better the next year. White sprained his ankle during spring of the following year, forcing him to miss the rest of those practices. Another setback happened in the middle of that August during practice, when he again rolled his ankle and needed to use crutches to limp off the field.

According to the UO athletic department statement, it would be medically impossible for White to return to the football field. He will retain his scholarship to complete his undergraduate degree.

It’s a crushing blow to the hometown star, but fans have already lit up the comments to complete his degree and wish him well into the future. On behalf of the staff at Autzen Zoo, I wish White good luck as well and hope for a better conclusion to his story.

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