Ben Bywater has announced his medical retirement from football.
During BYU’s first Big 12 conference game against the Kansas Jayhawks, veteran linebacker Ben Bywater experienced a significant “pop” in his shoulder after a hard hit. Just months after undergoing shoulder surgery, Bywater was faced with the need for another season-ending operation.
“I knew it was torn the moment it happened,” Bywater said in an interview with the DJ & PK Show. “The reality is I damaged a nerve in my arm. It would take five or six weeks from the time it happened… It’s unfortunate, but despite my efforts to push through, I still can’t move it. Even after three weeks, I still have nerve damage in my arm,” he admitted.
Despite his initial optimism, Bywater’s recovery did not go as hoped. Weeks turned into months, and his shoulder remained unfit for full-contact play as the season began in late August.
On Wednesday, Bywater announced his retirement from football, causing a stir in the BYU football community.
Head coach Kalani Sitake expressed his disappointment over Bywater’s decision in a statement to ABC4 News.
“We knew this could happen, but we were hopeful he could return and play. However, it’s too risky. As much as he wants to play this year, it’s not worth the risk. He has a future beyond football, and possibly in football as well. I appreciate everything he has done for us.”
Bywater, who recorded 247 career tackles as a Cougar, will be missed by the team as they face growing challenges. Despite his retirement from playing, he will continue to support the team in a non-playing role, attending practices, analyzing game footage, and contributing in any way he can.
Though the chances of a return to football are slim, Bywater, who had a successful career with the Cougars, had previously expressed a desire to come back after his injury.
