Georgia DB Rico Johnson's Football Career Ended by Neurological Disorder

Georgia cornerback Rico Johnson's career in Athens is over before it ever got off the ground. Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt announced Thursday that the redshirt freshman is stepping away from football due to an ongoing neurological condition.   

“I’m thankful we caught this condition when we did,” Richt said in a statement. “Now we can help Rico transition to life after football. He will stay on scholarship through his graduation and we will assist him in finding employment through the P.O. Network!”

The genesis of Johnson's head injury is unknown at this time. According to the statement, Johnson noticed problems during Wednesday's practice and was taken to a nearby medical facility where he underwent neurological testing. Ron Courson, the university's director of sports medicine, did not reveal Johnson's diagnosis but said it will allow him to lead a "normal life."

"While we are very disappointed for Rico from a football standpoint, we feel extremely fortunate that he is healthy and that we were able to diagnose his condition and protect him from a possible catastrophic injury,” Courson said.  “Although he cannot continue his football career, he should be able to have a normal life.”

Johnson, who sat out last season, had five total tackles and one forced fumble in four games in 2014, playing mostly on special teams. A 3-star recruit from Swainsboro, Georgia, Johnson was originally brought in as a wide receiver but converted to defensive back due to need.

The 20-year-old athlete can remain on full scholarship at Georgia but will not count toward the team's 90-man limit due to medical hardship. The Bulldogs are scheduled to play 1-4 Vanderbilt at Sanford Stadium on Saturday.   

 

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