Ash Says Goodbye (For Now) to Longhorn Nation

By Chris O'Connell in 40 Acres, Nov | Dec 2014, Sports on October 31, 2014 at 2:16 pm | No Comments

On September 17, Texas quarterback David Ash made the decision to retire from football on the heels of yet another head injury that the junior suffered during the season opener against North Texas. Ash received a medical redshirt after last season, one in which he missed all but two games after multiple concussions forced him to the sidelines. Though it must have been a difficult decision for Ash to walk away from the game early, with what we know about multiple concussions and their link to later-life health complications, the move was universally judged as positive. Archie and Cooper Manning—Cooper, the eldest Manning brother, suffered a career-ending football injury himself—even reached out to Ash. A week later, Ash penned an open letter to Longhorn fans.

Dear Longhorn Nation,

Being the quarterback at the University of Texas has been a huge blessing and one of the biggest reasons is our fans. Throughout my career, you have been awesome in the good times and the tough times. I’ve recently fallen on some harder times and am just so grateful that you have continued to support me. I can’t thank you enough. The words of encouragement in tweets and messages, and the prayers—just know that they really matter. I am really appreciative of how y’all have treated me, as well as the opportunity to be a part of this great football program.

Growing up, I wasn’t necessarily a Longhorn. My parents didn’t go to school here so we didn’t have any connection to The University of Texas. Now that I have been welcomed into the family, it’s a part of who I am, a part of my identity. I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a huge blessing to be a part of the Longhorn family.

I’ll always be a supporter of The University of Texas. The alumni and the people that make up the Longhorn family are going to be huge for me in the future. As I get older, I can pass along that special feeling of being a Longhorn.

So a big ‘Thank You’ to all of Longhorn Nation!

Hook ’em!
David Ash

Two famous Longhorns tweeted their encouragement to Ash as well:

Thank you David Ash, you gave your all to the University of Texas. I respect your decision and good luck in the future my brother

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) September 17, 2014

Thank You David Ash for all the hard work and effort you gave Texas FB. May God Bless You moving forward. Good Luck!

— Mack Brown (@ESPN_CoachMack) September 18, 2014