Georgia football player Pearce Spurlin retires after heart issue discovered
Georgia football player Pearce Spurlin will have to retire from the game for good after it was discovered he is dealing with a medical condition that will end his football career.
Spurlin, a former four-star tight end prospect, will have to walk away from college football after one year with the team after learning he has a congenital heart condition, Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart revealed.
“We care deeply for Pearce and he will remain on scholarship and part of our program,” Smart said.
“Our tight ends coach Todd Hartley and the other tight ends hate for a person and a player like Pearce to not be part of their room, and they will continue to provide him with the support he needs as he goes through this transition.”
“Spurlin has a congenital heart condition that representatives from Georgia were aware of and that they have closely monitored," Georgia said in a statement.
"Over time and after discussion and counseling with medical specialists, Spurlin and his family have made the decision that he will no longer play. He will remain on scholarship, continue with his studies at Georgia and work with the football team in another role.”
Spurlin originally signed with Georgia as part of the school's 2023 football recruiting class as the No. 2 consensus tight end in the nation, according to a consensus of national prospect rankings at the position.
He played in six games for the Bulldogs as a freshman, catching three passes for 60 yards.
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