Florida defensive back Dakota Mitchell is medically retiring from football.
Mitchell announced that news on Friday afternoon. Mitchell said doctors believe he was born with a condition that has caused him to deal with back pain throughout his career.
Here’s the announcement:
— Dakota Mitchell (@NineDinero) September 8, 2023
“I have been fighting through severe back pain and back injuries since Pop Warner Little League football and nothing has changed,” Mitchell wrote in-part. “I always questioned why my back was always hurting. After extensive treatment and doctor consults, they found that I was born with a condition causing the pain.”
Mitchell also thanked Florida for the opportunity to play for the program.
“There is nothing better than strapping up in that Orange and Blue,” he said. “I also want to thank Gator Nation for supporting me and always showing me love.
“With that being said, I will be medically retiring from the game and hanging up my cleats.”
Mitchell is a native of Winter Park, Fla. He was a 3-star recruit in Florida’s 2021 recruiting class.
Mitchell also said on Twitter that he intends to remain at Florida to finish his degree.
I will still continue finishing school & getting my degree at the University of Florida.
— Dakota Mitchell (@NineDinero) September 8, 2023
Mitchell never appeared in a game for Florida.
The Gators will be in action in Week 2 vs. McNeese State.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
