Robinette started the 2014 season opener, but was pulled out for an injury. He played in just six games last season because of injuries. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Vanderbilt quarterback Patton Robinette, citing health concerns, has abruptly ended his playing career and will enter medical school.
Robinette, a redshirt junior for the Commodores, told head coach Derek Mason on Thursday and informed teammates Friday morning. He plans to enter Vanderbilt School of Medicine this summer to study orthopedics.
Robinette started the 2014 season opener, but was pulled out for an injury. He played in just six games last season because of injuries.
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Robinette started five of his 16 career games, throwing for 1,096 yards with seven touchdowns and eight interceptions during his two seasons. He rushed for 277 yards and nine touchdowns during his career.
Robinette said his decision was influenced by a history of injuries, including a knee sprain in last year’s opener against Temple and a concussion he suffered against South Carolina on Sept. 20 that forced him to miss six weeks.
“This has been a very difficult decision to make,” Robinette said in a statement released by the university. “This team means the world to me and I love playing football more than anything. It’s been tough coming to a decision that is right for my family and I, and protects my health and future.
“I’ve been very deliberate in coming to this decision. It’s difficult but I’m really excited to move forward to the next chapter of my life and really to see what the field of medicine has in store for me.”
Robinette was competing with three other quarterbacks to be Vanderbilt’s starter this spring — sophomore Wade Freebeck, redshirt sophomore Johnny McCrary and redshirt freshman Shawn Stankavage. Freshman quarterback Kyle Shurmur will arrive on campus before the fall.
“Patton Robinette is one of the most fierce competitors that I’ve ever had the pleasure to coach,” Mason said in a statement. “He’s been a winner on every level and a guy that others look to for leadership. Patton leaves this football team in good hands, and has done a fantastic job of helping to create a foundation for success.
“This has been tough on Patton and his family, but we support his decision and look forward to seeing what the future in medicine holds for such an outstanding young man.”
