The UConn Huskies may have escaped Saturday’s game with a victory, but the team suffered a devastating loss in learning the news that quarterback Casey Cochran’s football career is over.
Multiple concussions throughout his football career led to the decision that he will no longer be suiting up for the Huskies. However, Cochran still plans to remain with the team according to coach Bob Diaco.
“A silver lining in the matter is that Casey has an interest in pursuing a career in coaching,” Diaco said in a statement. “We can now accelerate his development in that area as he transitions from a player role to a mentor role as he continues to serve the team.”
To that I say “bravo” to Diaco, Cochran and to UConn for keeping him on scholarship while he finishes school.
Cochran’s career in Connecticut started out in New London where he won a state championship as a freshman. After transferring to Masuk High School in Monroe, Cochran went on to set state records in nearly all passing categories.
I even got the opportunity to see him tear up my high school football team in the annual rivalry game between our schools. Only 17 at the time, Cochran was an in-state celebrity on the gridiron. With his father, Jack, calling the plays for half of his high school career, it was always an intimidating duo that every team in the state feared and yet respected.
There is not much any student athlete in Connecticut could do to match his legacy in high school sports. It only made sense for him to attend UConn, brought in by former head coach Paul Pasqualoni.
He watched from the sidelines as his team pummeled to a 0-9 start last season, patiently waiting to start, and win, the final three games while leaving his mark in the UConn record books as well.
This thins out the depth at the quarterback position for Diaco’s 1-1 team, putting Tim Boyle’s redshirt season in question. Chandler Whitmer has been named the starter for Saturday’s game against Boise State.
But that isn’t what I came here to talk about.
Now 20 years old, the hometown kid has arguably made the most adult decision of his life so far.
In an era of football where the topic of concussions has begun to see the public light in settlements and former player’s outcry, Cochran is setting an example for everyone who puts on a helmet.
Putting aside the game you love for your health isn’t easy, but it’s smart, and perhaps life saving.
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