Cochran Speaks About Leaving Team

The Huskies began the post-Casey Cochran era Saturday against Boise State.

The redshirt sophomore quarterback retired from football following a Week 1 concussion against BYU – he has suffered multiple concessions in his career – and on Monday, he spoke with the media for the first time since leaving the game.

"Talking to my parents, talking to the medical staff and everyone there was a consensus this is the decision that needs to be made," he told the New Haven Register. "It is tough and it will be tough for a while but it makes it a lot easier that I played the way I did and I left everything on the field and I played for my teammates so I wouldn't have any regrets."

That doesn't mean Cochran won't miss what he had.

"There were times in came or times in the spring when I would sit back and think, 'This is awesome. I am a D1 football player. I am having fun, playing a sport and going to college for free.' Having those thoughts, taking a step back and appreciating what I had made this decision easier because I didn't have to sit there and think, 'Well, maybe if I had done this, it would have been easier,'" Cochran said.

"I play a certain way, went about thinks a certain way. All my support staff has been unbelievable. My parents, my family and friends, people I haven't even talked to for years have reached out to me. The staff has been unbelievable with me. I appreciate the job they do for me and will continue to do with me, the opportunities they have given to me," he added.

"It was a tough decision, but I literally have no regrets," Cochran reiterated. "I want to be healthy, not just now, but in 20 years, in 40 years, in 60 years from now, and to live a long and happy life. I'm happy right now, I'm happy with my new roles."

Cochran is set to graduate next summer and will attend graduate school after that. He could pursue a coaching career like his father, but he's also considering sports broadcasting. Whatever he does, he will no doubt be successful.

"He was selected to quarterback the team because of his leadership and his intangible component," coach Bob Diaco said. "And the ability to continue that and continue to add that to the team is a positive, and he did that."

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