Syracuse DL Isaiah Johnson medically disqualified due to concussions
Syracuse defensive lineman’s Isaiah Johnson’s football career could be over.
The program announced Tuesday that team physician Dr. James Tucker medically disqualified Johnson from competing for Syracuse due to his history of concussions. Johnson, a 6-foot-4, 283-pound defensive end, was entering his junior year with the program.
In two seasons, Johnson played in 23 games and registered 10 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and an interception.
Johnson suffered his first concussion in November 2013 when he sacked Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston. He missed the final two games of that season and told Syracuse.com in December 2013 that he “lost his memory for a week and a half” and that a concussion is “the worst thing (he’d) wish upon anyone.”
“I seriously don’t remember how I got home,” Johnson said of the return trip from FSU to Syracuse. “I mean, obviously on a plane, but I don’t remember getting on the plane. My dad said he came down. I don’t even remember seeing him.”
It’s unknown when Johnson’s other concussions occurred.
With the Orange replacing three starters on the defensive line, Johnson had a chance to see increased snaps in 2015.
In addition to Johnson, two other Syracuse players – defensive end Tyler Marona and offensive lineman Kyle Knapp – had their careers cut short due to concussions in the past two seasons.
For more Syracuse news, visit CuseConfidential.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
