One of the N.F.L.’s smartest players did the math and decided to retire after just three years in the league.
The player, John Urschel, an offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens who received much publicity for his off-season pursuit of a doctorate in math at M.I.T., told the team on Thursday that he was hanging up his cleats at age 26.
Urschel, without making a statement, left before the team’s first full practice of the coming season. The Ravens’ coach, John Harbaugh, confirmed Urschel’s retirement.
“We respect John and respect his decision,” Harbaugh said in a statement.