John Urschel declared his retirement in 2017 as an ambitious young NFL professional because he would rather concentrate on mathematics. In an interview, the current PhD student explains how he came to this unusual decision at the time

John Urschel seemed to have a great career ahead of him in the NFL. The offensive guard, who was picked in the 5th round by the Baltimore Ravens in 2014, developed into a regular right away.

In the summer of 2017, he was looking at the final season of his rookie contract. A high-paying deal would have been all but assured. But the then 26-year-old caused a real sensation by unexpectedly announcing his retirement.

He did so just two days after a case study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on the incidence of the brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in deceased NFL players came to light.

Instead of being on the football field, he devoted himself fully to mathematics. And with great success: in 2017 he was included in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list of outstanding young scientists. As of 2021, he even holds a doctorate.

Football ranked only number 3 in the priority list

In a recent interview with the football magazine “Gridiron”, he explained his motivations at the time: “I just liked being a mathematician more and more. And I already had a child,” he explains. “I was thinking about priorities in my life at the time. What has the most value for me? And at that point I really realised that the most important things to me were my family and mathematics. Football was only at position three.”

Describing his thought process at the time, Urschel says, “I thought, okay, football is number 3 for me. The dangers in football are great. And I still want to be running around or spending time with my daughter when I’m 50 or 60. Football is dangerous. And if it’s that low on my list, should I really keep doing it? Do I really need to play another season?”

Urschel continues, “Sure, football is dangerous for the head. And it’s also dangerous for the rest of your body. I was worried a lot about the health of the head, but also the back, the hips, the knees or the shoulders. So I tackled another year as a mathematician. The NFL seemed to discourage me and also discourage me from becoming the best mathematician I can be. “

“It was the right decision “

Looking back, he says it was the right decision for him: “I am very happy that I stepped down at that time and very happy that I bet on myself. I am grateful that I gave myself the chance to focus fully on maths and be an assistant processor. As a college student, I wouldn’t have even dreamed of it. It wasn’t an easy decision for me at the time, but looking back, it was definitely the right decision. “