As an undrafted free agent, former Ohio State linebacker Andrew Sweat already had the odds stacked against him in terms of NFL success. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns following the draft, but Sweat will not be making the final roster come late August. In fact, he is not going to try. According to the Columbus Dispatch, Sweat has decided to attend law school rather than pursue a career as an NFL player.
Sweat suffered a concussion during his senior season at Ohio State, but doctors had pronounced him healthy prior to the draft. There was initial speculation that he had chosen a law degree over football because of the long-term health risks associated with the game, and Sweat confirmed that on Twitter Monday afternoon.
Concussion symptoms didn’t want to risk it.. Thanks to the browns for the opportunity. Health trumps football any day
— Andrew Sweat (@asweat42) May 14, 2012
The former Buckeye also took aim at Deadspin for questioning whether or not it is the right choice financially.
@Deadspin might need to get facts right. “good setup” my dad has a very successful law firm think I’m okay here..
— Andrew Sweat (@asweat42) May 14, 2012
Apparently Kurt Warner isn’t the only person who is seriously concerned about the effect of head injuries on quality of life, despite the fact that he has been blasted for it on several occasions now. There are people who know the risks involved and are willing to accept them, but as an undrafted free agent with a questionable NFL career ahead of him Sweat did not feel the need to be one of those people.
Photo credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE
