ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Garrett Adcock, who has made headlines as the only second-year law student in the NCAA’s FBS ranks, and who has started four of UNM’s first six games at right tackle, has announced that following a second concussion this season he will voluntarily end his season, in effect ending his career.
“I have made the decision to retire from football after suffering my second concussion this season.” Adcock said. “This decision to retire was not made in haste, nor was it made in isolation. I considered the opinions of the team doctors, the coaching staff, and my family, and it was mutually agreed that I should retire. Although circumstances like these are not easy to deal with, I have had the full support of the football program and the entire athletic department. Although the competitor in me would have liked to finish my career, this would not be in my best interest.”
“I understand how difficult this decision was for Garrett because he loves football and is such a team first, competitive person,” said head coach Bob Davie. “I also know it was the right decision and appreciate all he has given to make this football program and university better. He will remain and always will be a part of our team.”
“Garrett has the total respect of this football team and coaching staff and he is the model of a student-athlete,” added Davie.
Adcock finishes his Lobo career with 30 games played and 23 starts. He started eight games in 2012 as a true freshman before redshirting in 2013. He came back to start 10 games in 2014, but missed most of last season with an injury, starting just one contest and playing in three games. This season he started and played in four, missing the other two to injury. Adcock has been a part of an offense that in all four of his seasons has finished in the top 10 in the NCAA is rushing, and the 2016 season should be no different with UNM currently second nationally in the category.
Adcock was a semifinalist last year for the Wuerffel Award for academics and humanitarianism off the field. Adcock’s off the field accomplishments have been well chronicled. He graduated with a degree in biology in just three years with sights on becoming a hand surgeon. While that is still in the cards, Adcock went a different route for post graduate work, getting accepted into the UNM School of Law, becoming the only junior in the nation last year to do so while playing college football.
He has also spent countless hours in community service, both with UNM and outside of school. He has visited Ghana several times and helped build a hospital that now bears his family’s name. He locally has devoted many hours to the Ronald McDonald House, Copper Pointe Church and various other programs throughout the city of Albuquerque.
“Despite the abrupt end to my career as a Lobo, I will be a Lobo for life. I have built many relationships at UNM that will last a lifetime, and I am excited for the future of the football program. Even though I will no longer be on the playing field, the team will have my full support moving forward. I wish nothing but the best for the team, and look forward to another winning season and Bowl game.”
This season, Adcock is once again on the Wuerffel Watch List, and he is one of four nominees for CoSIDA Academic All-District honors. He was a 2014 Academic All-District selection as a sophomore. He is a four-time Lobo Scholar-Athlete and a three-time Mountain West All-Academic selection. Adcock has one more year of law school after this academic year is completed.
Adcock Opts to End Season, Career After Injury
