Former Clemson starter giving up football after battle with COVID
A potential starter on Clemson’s defensive front is moving on from football.
Tigers coach Dabo Swinney announced Wednesday afternoon that defensive end Justin Foster has graduated and is leaving the program.
Foster missed all of last season after a battle with COVID-19 in the preseason. Foster led Clemson’s defensive line in tackles for loss with 10.5 in 2019 when he last played.
“Tried to talk him out of it, but he had a very tough fall. COVID was a very tough thing for him,” Swinney said. “Justin is a guy that’s always battled asthma and allergies. He’s always had challenges with that. When he got COVID last summer that really, really set him back.”
Foster put out a statement Wednesday evening further explaining his decision to give up football. He said that he did so after speaking with multiple medical professionals.
“My focus is more so on recovering for the long term,” Foster said as part of a statement. “This decision came after months of recovery and treatment, which required asking a lot of difficult questions regarding my future. Questions to medical professionals and myself.”
Swinney added that Foster is much better now than he was last fall but is still working his way back from COVID.
Foster said that “I am not in a position now, nor do I see that position soon, to step back on the field.”
Swinney spoke with Foster about continuing to try to work his way back, but the Shelby, N.C., native is ready to begin his professional career.
“Really was hoping that he’d continue that process and come back and play next year, but if you know Justin Foster, you know that first of all, he’s a brilliant young man.” Swinney said. “He’s incredibly smart. He has a lot of interest and is very, very talented and he’s got a great career ahead of him.”
Foster played in 39 career games, with 13 starts over his college career. He recorded 66 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 7 sacks.
Foster’s best season came in 2019 when he earned honorable mention All-ACC honors.
The former Crest High star was rated as a four-star recruit and the No. 156 overall player in the country coming out of high school, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
“To the greatest fans in college football, thank you,” Foster said. “Thank you for embracing me since day one. I have loved every minute of playing for you and representing the best program in the country.”
This story was originally published February 24, 2021 at 4:13 PM.
