Stanford offensive lineman announces retirement from football
Senior offensive lineman Branson Bragg has retired from football.
Stanford announced the news on Monday, sharing a message from Bragg wherein he talked about lingering negative effects of a “severe concussion” he suffered during training camp. Bragg was set to be the team’s starting left guard this season before the injury.
“I’m heartbroken to announce that I’ve decided to retire from football,” Bragg said in a statement. “This was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, but with long-term lingering and intense symptoms stemming from a severe concussion I sustained in training camp, along with other mental health factors, I’m confident that stepping away is the best decision for me.”
Bragg spent four years in the program, earning 16 starts across his career. He started the only game he played in as a freshman during the 2019 season, then made starts in all six games in 2020 and in nine games in 2021. He was an honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection as a junior last fall.
“The past four years at Stanford have been everything that I could’ve hoped for, and I created countless lifelong bonds while living out my dream with the best teammates and support staff in the world,” he continued.
Bragg made sure to give thanks specifically to the Stanford offensive line, head coach David Shaw, line coach Terry Heffernan, offensive coordinator Tavita Pritchard, strength coaches Cullen Carroll and James Perez, director of sport psychology Dr. Kelli Moran-Miller, head physical therapist Floyd VitoCruz, the team’s equipment manager Greg Valenzisi, and the team’s athletic trainers.
He said he plans to graduate on time with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematical and Computational Science.
“Go Card, now and forever!!”
— Branson Bragg (@bransonbragg) September 12, 2022