Florida Gators DB announces medical retirement from football
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Gators secondary has lost a second defensive back in as many days, this time due to a medical issue.
Redshirt sophomore safety Dakota Mitchell announced his medical retirement from football Friday due to a birth defect in his back.
He wrote the following message on Instagram.
“I write this with tears in my eyes. I knew this day would come, but I never thought it would be this soon.
“I want to say thank you Lord for allowing me to play this game that I LOVE for 16 years. The best 16 years of my life. But God has a different path for me I also want to say thank you to those who believed in me through this long journey, and the ones who still support me to this day. It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get here, and I can’t help but feel like l’ve failed this mission.
“I specially want to thank my mom for always being by my side and for everything she has done to support me on and off the field.
“I have been fighting through severe back pain and back injuries since Pop Warner Little League football and nothing has changed. I always questioned why my back was always hurting. After extensive treatment and doctor consults, they found that I was born with a condition causing the pain.
“I have been playing the game of football since I was five years old. Growing up, football was all I knew and what pushed me to be the best version of myself. The game has been a blessing to this day. Football has brought me many memories and relationships that I will always cherish.
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“I want to thank the University of Florida for giving me the opportunity to be a Gator. There is nothing better than strapping up in that Orange & Blue. I also want to thank Gator Nation for supporting me and always showing me love.
“With that being said, I will be medically retiring from the game and hanging up my cleats. I know God has other blessings for me with a different route and plan. I just have to stay the course. The game of football will forever live in me and I will always bleed orange and blue. Go Gators forever! #LongLiveGGma”
Dakota Mitchell was a member of Florida’s 2021 class from Winter Park High School. He redshirted as a true freshman after no appearances and did not see any game action last year either.
Mitchell is the second defensive back that UF has lost this week. Senior safety Jadarrius Perkins announced Thursday that he’s leaving the team and will be entering the transfer portal.
