Jack Miller is sticking by his decision to quit football with one year of NCAA eligibility left, citing concerns of potential long-term brain problems brought on by concussions.
Speaking with ESPN, Miller acknowledged he has plenty of opportunity to play football and start at center if he wanted to, but he simply does not. His top priority now is to finish up his degree get onto a career in business.
"I know I've had a few and it's nice walking away before things could've gotten worse," he said. "And yes, multiple schools have reached out. But I'm ready to walk away from it. My health and happiness is more important than a game."
"I wanted to keep playing... You're supposed to be tough in this game, everyone carries that attitude."
Miller, the Wolverines' starting center last year, would have been going into his fifth year as a senior. He has only reported one concussions to Michigan's athletic department, but estimates he has suffered at least two in his playing career.
He announced his decision earlier this month, but said he was "burned out." He did say he will miss playing football, but that the feeling would be the same even if he made the NFL and enjoyed a long career.
A number of young players in the NFL have retired due to long-term health concerns, reigniting a national discourse on how safe football really is.
"I'd be lying if I said that the concussion thing doesn't scare me a little," Miller told ESPN. "Football has taught me so much about life, it's incredible how much I've learned from it. That's why my dad ultimately wanted me to play the game at a young age, then we found out I was good.
"But is it worth the potential injury? Really tough call."
