Clemson offensive lineman forced to retire from football

Clemson offensive lineman Mason Trotter has been forced to retire from football, Tigers coach Dabo Swinney revealed Wednesday night during his teleconference.

Trotter had to have back surgery earlier during the season, forcing his career to come to an end.

The junior has been out all year for an undisclosed reason but was scheduled to return late this season, prior to the back issue.

“They had to do back surgery on him and he’s done. They’re not going to let him play anymore,” Swinney said.

Trotter will remain with Clemson’s program as a student coach.

Even though his football career is over, Trotter is making progress and getting better.

“He’s gotten through the back surgery and he’s still rehabbing right now,” Swinney said.

Trotter battled back from a hand injury last season to start seven games. He was set to compete for a starting job in 2022, prior to being forced to miss time for an undisclosed reason.

Swinney added that Trotter had never had any back issues prior to a few months ago.

“He got out of bed and couldn’t walk. He’s never had a back problem. It was the weirdest thing ever,” Swinney said. “They tried everything and ended up having to do surgery on him.”

Despite the surgery, Trotter will still be forced to retire from football.

The Dorman product and South Carolina native signed with Clemson as a three-star recruit in the class of 2019.

Trotter played in four games in 2019 and redshirted. In 2020 he was a reserve offensive lineman, appearing in nine games.

Last season he started all seven games in which he appeared in, playing 450 snaps.

Swinney is disappointed Trotter will be unable to play moving forward but believes it is what is best for him moving forward.

“He came to me two or three weeks ago and let me know where he was medically and what the doctors were saying,” Swinney said. “It’s just best for his future to not play. Just a crazy, kind of a freak thing.”