Former SU Football Player Sam Heckel Reveals Injuries and Talks Future Former SU Football Player Sam Heckel Reveals Injuries and Talks Future

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Former Syracuse University football offensive lineman Sam Heckel revealed the team’s training staff forced him to retire with a year of eligibility remaining in an NCC News exclusive interview. Heckel suffered two concussions in a short period of time last season, and agreed with the training staff’s decision.

“So I got one in camp and then one in the first game. So at that point, at that point, that was the point where it was no return and I couldn’t really recover from it,” said Heckel.

Heckel played SU’s season opener against Liberty, but left in the first half with an unspecified upper body injury. On Jan. 31, Heckel announced on Twitter that he would not play out his final year of eligibility due to injuries. The season opener was Heckel’s last time on the field.

“It’s a different relationship now that I can’t play anymore. Because I used to be a peer with my teammates and doing all the things that they were doing,” Heckel said. “Lifting and doing the workouts, and now it’s just, there’s a portion of the relationship that’s gone.”

Heckel plans to finish his undergraduate earth science degree at Syracuse and then earn a masters’ degree.

“Trying to help coach out this spring, or, we have field work right after we’re done with this,” Heckel said. “I think that’ll help me become a better coach and a teacher.”

Heckel said he understands the potential consequences of head injuries, but is glad he still played football in college because of the opportunities it has provided him.

When asked about where he sees himself in five years, Heckel had two things in mind.

“I would be happy teaching back home in Wisconsin or continuing to coach,” Heckel said. “Either one I’d be very happy with.”

 

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