Clemson’s defensive side, Justin Foster, announced his retirement on Wednesday, saying that a combination of asthma, allergies and COVID-19 made it impossible for him to return to the field.
“The decision came after months of recovery and treatment, which required many difficult questions about my future,” wrote Foster, a veteran, in a statement posted on Twitter. “Although I still have a long way to go, I am confident that I will fully recover.”
Coach Dabo Swinney said on Wednesday that Foster is feeling much better than before after the initial test was positive in August 2020. However, Foster said “he is not in a position now nor do I see that position soon, to return to the field. “
“He had a very difficult fall,” said Swinney of Foster, who missed the entire 2020 season while dealing with the symptoms of COVID-19. “He always had challenges with [asthma and allergies], but when he got COVID last summer, it really slowed him down. “
Foster is the second member of Clemson’s defensive line in 2020 to deal with the long-term symptoms of COVID-19. Xavier Thomas tested positive for COVID-19 last April, and the symptoms persisted to the point that he was forced to stay out of the fall camp and missed the start of the 2020 season.
Foster was one of Clemson’s main defenders in 2019, finishing second on the team with 10.5 tackles to defeat. He was designed to be the starter in the 2020 season, but he never set foot on the field.
ESPN ranked Foster as the 73rd overall recruit in the 2017 class, and he chose Clemson over offers from Alabama, Florida and Georgia, among others.
Swinney said he was disappointed by Foster’s decision and asked him to stay with the team in hopes of playing in the future, but he said that Foster, who graduated last year, had a job opportunity that affected his decision.
“Today is a new chapter filled with many emotions,” wrote Foster. “I am very proud and grateful to reflect on my experiences … and enthusiasm and confidence for my future.”