A&M's Whitaker Retires from Football
Sep 06, 2002 | Football
September 06, 2002
Texas A&M's Richard Whitaker, a junior from Jacksonville, Texas, has decided to retire from football due to continuing problems with injury, Aggie head coach R.C. Slocum announced on Friday.
"Richard has met with medical personnel and has come to the decision to retire from football," Slocum said. "He's had two knee surgeries and it is in his best interest to retire. To Richard's credit, he has taken care of his business in the classroom and I'm proud to say he will graduate in May."
Whitaker, who will remain on scholarship, led the Aggies in rushing as a redshirt freshman in 2000 with 455 yards on 84 carries, but he had knee surgery prior to the 2001 season. He played only sparingly in 2001, gaining 43 yards on 15 carries before eventually being moved to defensive back. Whitaker was listed as the second-team cornerback going into the 2002 season, but he was inactive for the season-opener against Louisiana-Lafayette.
The No. 20-ranked Aggies will take on the Pittsburgh Panthers on Saturday at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh at 11 a.m. (central time). The game will be televised nationally by ESPN.
