What It Means to Play Football for Michigan and Why I Walked Away

Two weeks ago, Michigan's incumbent starting center Jack Miller retired from competitive football. He told Bleacher Report's Adam Biggers why he retired and the lasting impact Michigan football will have on him.

It’s hard to understand just how great it is to play for Michigan when you’re in the thick of it. The grueling workouts, intense practices and long meetings can test a man’s toughness. It’s hard to recognize how lucky and fortunate you are to play here, and perhaps you don’t have a true appreciation for it until it’s all over.

As for me, I’ve been done playing for just two weeks and already the nostalgia and gratitude are starting to flood my brain. I’ll miss the struggle with my teammates and I’ll miss game days in the fall.

That being said, it’s time for me to move on. 

All of my goals have been accomplished here. I was able to receive a top-notch education while playing football at the highest possible level. 

Because of that, my passion for the game has diminished. I know that you won’t succeed in this game without a burning passion for it.

Tony Ding/Associated Press

I went to Coach Harbaugh, expressed my feelings and was met with nothing but respect for my decision. I suspect that a man who has passion flowing through his veins could understand me wanting to find the next exciting part of my life.

Not everyone will understand why, but I do. That’s all that matters. It’s time for me to start pursuing the next goals I have for myself.

My time here at Michigan is done.

These past four years have been the most challenging of my life, but they have also been the most rewarding. As a kid from Ohio, Michigan was always that mysterious place up north. With that giant stadium and those famous winged helmets, Michigan always sparked my curiosity

When I picked Michigan over other programs, it was for surface reasons. Proximity to home, world-class academics and big-time football. I had no idea that Michigan football was more than that.

I didn’t know that Michigan shapes and molds you into a winner. I can’t imagine there are many places that care so deeply about you as a person. Not many schools try to develop more than just the football player in you, but Michigan does.

Michigan cares how you do in the classroom and whether or not you’ll get your degree. Michigan cares how you present yourself in public and what kind of citizen you are for the community. Michigan cares that when you leave, you’re a better person for having been there.

There have been so many life lessons along the way about dedication, sacrifice, teamwork and excellence. The countless times that a coach or staff member pushed me further than I thought I could go are overwhelming.

When you look at being successful, the Michigan football program sits at the forefront. If you can handle the responsibilities that come with playing football at Michigan, I can guarantee you’ll end up better for it. As our hero Bo Schembechler famously said, “those who stay will be champions.”

The future for Michigan is incredibly bright, Coach Harbaugh and his staff are consummate professionals and I have no doubt the wins will come.

Follow Bleacher Report's Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81.

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and references were obtained firsthand by the writer via press conference, press release or other media availability. 

Special thanks to Jack Miller for sharing his experiences and thoughts as they pertain to Michigan football.