Clay Cundiff, former Wisconsin tight end, announces he is retiring from football

MADISON – Tight end Clay Cundiff, who saw his last two seasons at Wisconsin end because of gruesome leg injuries, announced Sunday he is retiring from football.

"After weeks of contemplation, I have decided to medically retire from the game of football," Cundiff, who is on schedule to graduate in December, wrote in a Tweet. "I have proudly put pads on a jersey since first grade, but now my body is begging to hang up the cleats.

"In my 15 years on the field, I have endured multiple season-ending injuries, grueling surgeries, long hospital stays, many broken bones, concussions, slipped discs, you name it. I have fought back time and time again, always ready to get out on the field every September.

"But I cannot keep up with the physical demands of the game any more. I have this one body and it is my priority to protect it for my future.

"Thank you to Badger nation for your love and support these past four years. Wisconsin has been very good to me and I am forever proud to be a Badger.

"To my teammates, you fellas know how demanding this game is and how much work goes on behind the scenes. I have always put my body on the line for the man next to me. I never thought twice about that. But as the injuries have piled up, I cannot give my all between those white lines anymore.

"I'm at peace walking away from the game, and I know that our friendships will remain long after this. I love each and every one of you and wish you the ultimate success.

"Thank you to every player who stood beside me, every coach who ever shaped me, the trainers and medical staff for all the rehab and my family for lifting me up every time that I have fallen.

"The game of football has given me friendships and experiences that I will cherish for the rest of my life, and for this I am so grateful.

"On Wisconsin."

Neither Cundiff nor sixth-year senior Jack Eschenbach joined the team for preseason camp. Cundiff stressed Monday the decision to leave the team and retire from football was his alone.

Despite playing a total of only nine games the last two seasons, Cundiff was arguably the team best all-around tight end.

The redshirt junior had a combined 12 catches for 228 yards and three touchdowns in those seasons. He spent most of the spring rehabbing and participated in summer workouts with the hope of returning to the field.

As time passed, however, Cundiff said he realized his body could no longer handle the rigors of football.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Clay Cundiff, former Badgers tight end, retires from football