Oklahoma Sooners Football: Grant Calcaterra announces retirement from football

Junior tight end/Y-receiver Grant Calcaterra hasn’t played for the Oklahoma Sooners since prior to the Texas game, and the reason one that has been rumored for quite some time. After suffering a number of concussions throughout his football career, Calcaterra announced his retirement from football via Twitter Thursday evening.

In the announcement, Calcaterra added that his intention is to graduate in May before moving back to his home state of California to become a firefighter. If you weren’t already impressed by this guy as a human being, you sure are now. It’s obviously tough for a potential NFL talent to be forced to face this decision, but he’s handling the situation as well as anyone possibly could.

Calcaterra, a former four-star prospect out of Santa Margarita, Calif., caught 41 passes for 637 yards and nine touchdowns in just under two season of action. He’s become known for his knack for making spectacular catches, the most notable of which came against the Texas Longhorns in the 2018 Big 12 Championship.

Entering the season, Calcaterra was the preseason First Team All-Big 12 selection at tight end, and most believed he had a professional future in the new wave of NFL offenses. However, with what we now know about concussions and their long-lasting effects, it’s impossible to question his decision. His choice to enter such a heroic profession just makes it all the more admirable.

Thanks for the memories, Grant, and best of luck to you in the future!