Colorado confirmed that running back Charlie Offerdahl is retiring from football due to repeated concussions.
Coach Deion Sanders allowed Offerdahl to address the team Tuesday and posted the speech on his Instagram.
“Obviously, I haven’t been here this summer,” Offerdahl told his teammates. “If it’s not obvious already, I won’t be coming back this year. You know, just how serious this last concussion was, and how many I’ve had leading up to it, it was pretty scary for me and my family. I will be hanging it up.”
The Buffaloes plan to keep Offerdahl on scholarship, according to Yahoo Sports.
Offerdahl’s been playing football since third grade. He’s now planning to attend dental school.
Offerdahl played three seasons at Colorado. He appeared in 13 games last season and scored his first collegiate touchdown in Colorado’s 49-24 victory over Utah.
“I just wanted to take this time to let everybody know here, and thank you guys, thank the coaching staff, thank the staff,” Offerdahl said during his address to the team.
“The players, I love you guys. How much you guys have done for me, my football career and becoming a young man.”
While Offerdahl wasn’t a primary contributor statistically, his emotional farewell showed his impact on the program. He’s now transitioning to the next chapter of his life after prioritizing his long-term health.
