Luke Brown injury update: Arkansas OL medically retires from football

On Monday, Arkansas offensive lineman Luke Brown announced he is medically retiring from football. Brown spent two seasons with the Razorbacks.

“I am medically retiring from football,” Brown wrote on X. “Thanks to Coach Pittman, Coach Mateos, and everyone at the University of Arkansas for giving me the opportunity to play at the next level. Thanks hog nation for everything!”

Brown didn’t see any action during his true freshman season in 2023 and redshirted. Brown also did not play this season. The reason behind his decision to medically retire is unclear.

Brown played high school football at Henry County High School (TN), where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 404 overall recruit and No. 26 interior offensive lineman in the 2023 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

As a senior at Henry County, Brown amassed 127 pancake blocks on the offensive line and helped the Patriots post an 11-3 overall record with a 5-0 mark in 5A Region 7 play to earn a first-place finish.

Luke Brown also posted a similar message to his Instagram regarding his decision.

“Thank you football,” Brown wrote. “I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to play the game for as long as I have. It has created lifelong memories and friendships. Thanks to all the coaches, family members, and friends who have helped me along my way in this journey. It truly has been a blessing.
With that being said, I will be medically retiring from football.”

Sam Pittman reassures worried Arkansas fans

In the opening days of the NCAA Transfer Portal winter window, Arkansas saw several of its standouts enter their names, including players such as tight end Luke Hasz and cornerback Jaylon Braxton. Shortly after their decisions, Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman sent a message to any fans beginning to panic about the transfer portal.

“We’re not stupid. We know if a guy like a Luke Hasz walks out the door, it’s going to mean something,” Pittman said. “Hell, it meant something to us too. It meant something to him too. It was very difficult for him and his family.

“But the decisions have to be about the team. It can’t be about just the individual, it has to be about the team. All I would say is, all I would ask is that they be patient to see over the next week and a half (to) see if we get out of the portal what I think we can get. If we do, I think they’ll be very excited about that.”