The football career of Rawleigh Williams III is over. After leading Arkansas in rushing yards last season (and being the SEC’s leading regular season rusher), his first as the team’s starter, Williams has decided it wasn’t worth the risk of potential injury that may come from playing football. This decision comes on the heels of Williams being carted off the field during the final practice of the spring for Arkansas.

Williams’ freshman season in 2015 was cut short due to a serious neck injury that required neck fusion surgery. Considering the potentially devastating nature of that injury, it’s remarkable Williams was able to not only compete last season but perform at such a high level.

To officially announce his decision, Williams wrote a touching letter for the Arkansas Razorbacks website. In the letter, Williams thanked his coaches and teammates while considering his family, his faith, and ultimately his future in coming to his decision to walk away — something he noted could literally be taken away from him had he continued to play football.

My family is the most important thing in my life. The first thing I thought when it all happened was the reaction of my mom, dad, sister and brother. I didn’t want them to go through this all over again. I just wanted to stand up to calm them down and show them that I was ok.

I’ve seen the replay. I saw a normal hit. That scared me. It shows me it doesn’t take a big hit at this point. Any little thing can trigger it. I also saw the reaction of my mom and my sister. That broke my heart. I can’t do this anymore. I want to be able to walk.

Williams rushed for 1,360 and 12 touchdowns last season. Following this decision, Arkansas will likely look to sophomore Devwah Whaley to start at running back heading into the 2017 season.

Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema added his thoughts to Williams’ decision:

“As a head coach you always remember the first meeting you have with all your recruits and how that first impression is made. Rawleigh was committed to another school, but after a visit with him and his father, I knew we had a chance. We said at the time that unique recruiting stories often lead to unique experiences in the years ahead and that has been no disappointment. Rawleigh handled his recruiting with maturity and class and that followed into his playing career. At Arkansas, not only does he have All-SEC academic success, but he also steps away as the reigning SEC regular season rushing leader. This next chapter in Rawleigh’s life will be filled with unlimited success in any career path or anyway of life he chooses. As a head coach I couldn’t be more excited to begin the next chapter with him and be there for him.”