Superback Cameron Green retires from football

Junior superback Cameron Green is retiring from football, citing “concussion and head injuries within my family.”

Green, who led Northwestern with four touchdown catches in 2018, announced his decision in a Twitter message Monday night, on the eve of NU’s first spring practice.

“Northwestern will always have a special place in my heart for giving me the opportunity to excel as a person and as a player in this community,” Green wrote.

“It is with joy and pain that I am announcing my retirement from the sport of football. I am honored to say I played for Northwestern, and privileged to represent this University on such a prestigious stage. Unfortunately, due to concussion and head injuries within my family, I have chose to step away from the game. Though the love of the game will be everlasting in me, the love for family and health overpowers all.”

Green’s father, Mark, was a Bears fifth-round pick in 1989. Mark Green scored six touchdowns in four seasons for Chicago, before moving on to a career in the private sector.

In three years as a Wildcat, Cam Green played in 38 games, tallying 81 receptions for 684 yards and six touchdowns. The Buffalo Grove, Ill. native had a career campaign in 2018, with 57 catches for 483 yards and four touchdowns.

Green was one of NU’s best surprises of 2018 in his first year as the starting superback. He had huge games against Akron and Michigan State, catching an important touchdown against the Spartans to key the rejuvenation of NU’s offense.

In five months, Northwestern has lost two of its best offensive players to early retirements.

On the field, Northwestern will look to junior Trey Pugh as Green’s immediate replacement, as well as sophomore Charlie Mangieri. The Wildcats have just five superbacks on the 2019 roster following the graduations of James Prather and Trey Klock.