December 20, 2000
Texas A&M offensive tackle Michael Mahan has decided to end his football career due to a continual battle with an irregular heart condition, A&M coach R.C. Slocum announced Wednesday.
Mahan, a 6-6, 293-pound, sophomore from Homer, La., has undergone two separate surgical procedures this fall to correct an irregularity with his heart known as Wolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome.
"I talked at length with Coach Slocum last Saturday and after weighing my options I think it is best for myself and my health that I step away from playing football," Mahan said. "Having two heart surgeries that close together is risky. My health comes first and I think that in the long term I can live with my decision to hang it up."
The Aggies' starter at left tackle for eight games this season and six games last season, Mahan was a massive blocker who improved each outing.
"I visited with Michael (Mahan) and his family and I think its in his best interest not to play football anymore," Slocum said. "It's disappointing for a young man of Michael's ability to have to stop playing this early in his career, but his health is a big concern. He was our starter at tackle and that's a big loss for us."
An agricultural development major, Mahan will continue with his degree at A&M and work toward his goal of coaching football.
"I am going to be with the team in Shreveport and will continue to be involved, but as a student," Mahan said. "I have always wanted to coach and I'm looking forward to learning from these coaches. I plan to take advantage of that while I'm here working on my degree."
The Aggies will facing the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the Independence Bowl on Sunday, Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. The game will televised nationally on ESPN.