CHAPEL HILL
Joe Jackson, a junior linebacker at North Carolina, has suffered a neck injury that will end his playing career, the school announced on Thursday.
He sustained the injury during the Tar Heels' season-opening 17-13 loss against South Carolina. Jackson had been listed as a starting outside linebacker entering that game. He had been a reserve player during his first two seasons.
“After talking with my family and the UNC doctors, I have decided it is in my best interest to stop playing football,” Jackson, a native of Jacksonville, Fla., said in a statement.