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

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