ASU safety Marcus Ball retires due to epileptic seizures
Sep 6, 2017, 4:54 PM
Arizona State's Marcus Ball (31) celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble by California's Kanawai Noa on a punt during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Berkeley, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Arizona State redshirt senior defensive back Marcus Ball will retire from football after batting health problems caused by seizures over the past three years, he announced in a Twitter post Wednesday.
Ball said he was diagnosed with epilepsy as a sophomore and made his decision to focus on his family and a better quality of life.
“As I continue to be a positive impact in the program, I want to say thank you to all as my journey ends but OUR journey continues as we embark on winning a National Championship,” he wrote.
Ball was ASU’s second-leading tackler in 2016, registering 64 take-downs, including three for loss. He led the team in tackles for four consecutive games during the year, culminating in a career-high 14-tackle effort against Oregon.
The senior was expected to compete for playing time at safety or SPUR this season.
Here is Ball’s letter announcing his decision to retire.
#Sun Devil For Life pic.twitter.com/OTXbn2Ok2s
— Marcus Ball (@Marcus_Ball31) September 6, 2017
