A FOOTBALL CAREER CUT SHORT

Gophers redshirt-sophomore Jason Williamson, who was the workhorse running back of Owatonna's back-to-back state titles in 2017 and 2018, has left the University of Minnesota’s program after medically retiring.The NCAA has granted Minnesota's 2018 Mr. Football a Medical Exemption, which is also beneficial for Minnesota because as it does not count toward their total scholarship limit, and it allows him to continue to pursue his education while the Gophers are free to sign another student-athlete in his place.Williamson, posted the following message to his Twitter page on Thursday, July 8: "Since I was a little kid it was always my dream to play college football in MN. I am so thankful for being able to have the opportunity by Coach Fleck and all the coaches and staff to be able to live out my dream for how long I did, But unfortunate injuries and many surgeries in the last 2 years I have decided to medically retire.”
He went on to say, “Football has given me the most memorable moments in my life and I have made lifelong friends playing the greatest sport ever created. I want to thank everyone who has supported me so much throughout my athletic career and shown me so much love throughout the years. I will continue my academics at the University of Minnesota and get my degree in business marketing. I will continue to apply everything that football has taught me and all of the lessons that have molded me into the man I am today. THANK YOU EVERYONE!! Row the Boat, Ski-U-Mah, Go Gophers!"Although Williamson’s career was cut short he made a lasting impression on nearly everyone he encountered during his time with the team.While policies and procedures prohibit university officials from sharing details about an athlete's decision to leave, many around the program praised Williamson for his work ethic and character.“Jason is a terrific young man,” said Minnesota Associate Athletic Director Paul Rovnak.Williamson battled multiple serious injuries starting the summer before his senior season of high school. While playing in a seven-on-seven camp at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., Williamson heard a pop from his left foot. He didn’t think too much of it as a trainer diagnosed it as a muscle strain. However, the pain increased and he had to make an emergency visit to the hospital the following morning around 4 a.m.Williamson was diagnosed with compartment syndrome, where athletic exertion can create pressure in an area of an extremity, which affects muscles and nerves. In severe cases, surgery is required before a limb could be lost.Surgery was performed the next day and Williamson had an open surgical cut in his lower (left) leg that had to remain open for four days. He was able to walk for eight weeks following the surgery.In 2018, despite the injury Williamson ran the ball 313 times during his senior season at Owatonna, and was named Mr. Football, Associated Press Player of the Year and Gatorade Player of the Year. He rushed for a total of 3,012 yards and 46 touchdowns in addition to catching nine passes for 108 yards and another score. The Huskies also called upon Williamson to play defense in certain situations. He totaled 24 tackles and two interceptions on the season and helped Owatonna claim its second consecutive state championship.The injury bug stung Williamson again the following season when he tore his ACL while competing in spring practice at the University of Minnesota. He redshirted 2019 after missing the entire season due to the injury.Williamson saw his first action for the Gophers in 2020, where he completed in two games. He made his collegiate debut in a 24-17 win at Nebraska on Dec. 12, 2020. He also registered a tackle in Minnesota’s 20-17 overtime loss at Wisconsin on Dec. 19, 2020.In February 2021, Williamson went under the knife again. This time for labrum shoulder surgery, according to his father Rich Williamson.“It was a very difficult decision for him,” Rich Williamson said. “But for his physical body condition in the future he feels he had to do it. He feels he can no longer physically play. I hope he changes his mind."The Gophers still have a strong stable of running backs with All-America Mohamed Ibrahim, Treyson Potts and Cam Wiley leading the group.