David Hood Announces Retirement From Football

PHILADELPHIA - June 1, 2018 - PRLog -- Temple University Star Running Back, David Hood, today announced that he will retire after four seasons with the organization due to four concussions. Since committing to Temple University in 2013, Hood has been focused on utilizing his skills to better the team overall. Originally redshirted in 2014, Hood was used as a multi-purpose back who can run, catch and block, shined on special teams and also worked at cornerback.

The 21-year-old Hood comes off of a season in which he led The Temple Owls with 638 rushing yards and 172 receiving yards after returning from his third concussion in the 2016 season; his fourth concussion during Spring Ball which led Hood to retire before going pro. Hood makes this decision adhering to medical advice and with a heavy heart as it's been a life long dream to play football at a professional level. While inactive on the field, he will continue to attend team games and take part in community initiatives. Hood's official statement reads as follows: "I want to thank Coach Collins, Dr. Kraft, my teammates and the entire Temple Football staff for four great years. After doctor's advice, long deliberation, internal soul searching and conversations with my family, I have decided not to continue my career as a football player. When I think about the quality of life I want to provide for my son, continuing to endure the sort of injuries I have been consistently incurring would be irresponsible and selfish. I will however be continuing my career as a rapper under the moniker 223 Trizzy."

I have been wholeheartedly pursuing both careers and I take this most recent injury as a sign from God that it is my time to move on with my life and focus on my music full time. While I won't be continuing on the field, I am now and will forever be a Temple Owl. T-U! You Know!" Temple University Head Coach Collins released this statement: "He was a guy that was in the conversation of the single digits moving forward, so we hate it for him," Collins said. "Our heart goes out to him because we think so highly of him. We respect him so much, but it's best for him, his family and his future that he just goes ahead and takes the next step in his life… The best thing is that he has his degree and has an aspiring music career [as a rapper] where he will be successful". Hood recently signed with JAG Sports & Entertainment Group and will be managed by founder and President, Jennifer A. George and co-managed by Ms. George's partner, Rashaad Lambert. Ms. George released this statement: "I am filled with much sorrow to see David's football career come to an end, I thoroughly enjoyed watching him play for Temple, however his health is most important, along with being there to raise his four year old son, David Hood IV. I know it was a rather tough decision for Hood to make and I fully support his decision to retire as an athlete and pursue a career in music. I'm excited for his future in the entertainment industry and I am confident that Hood has what it takes to be very successful. Our entire team is elated to be working with Hood aka 223 Trizzy. We are committed to delivering quality content and to continue his philanthropic efforts in the community." Former Temple University teammate and roomate, Leon Johnson of the Denver Broncos released the following statement: "Hood is a one of a kind person. I got the chance to room with him my senior year at Temple and we played a pretty significant role in each others sanity. Nevertheless, David Hood is a talented athlete and honestly its quite disheartening to see his career cut short. However he is just as talented and driven musically so I'm excited to see him move forward to the next chapter of his life."

Keep up to date on Hood's music career by following him on Twitter and Instagram - @223Trizzy (http://Instagram.com/223Trizzy)