Jon Dietzen was part of the Wisconsin Badgers offensive line that received a great deal of hype heading into the season. It’s weird to see a lineman group receive a great deal of hype because that’s not what linemen are about typically. They want to stick their heads down, do their job and let everyone else get the accolades. There is a rarity to Sports Illustrated, ESPN and others featuring the linemen first, running back second at Wisconsin. That line already planned to look different with two seniors leaving and David Edwards going to the NFL Draft. Dietzen decided to step away from football due to injuries yesterday.

pic.twitter.com/23N0axftxy

— Dietzen (@DietzenJon) February 11, 2019

Dietzen dealt with all sorts of injuries last year having problems with his ankle and hips. He had surgery on bot his hips to replace torn labrums after the 2017 season. While the decision is likely the hardest thing he did in his life, it sounds like the right move considering the hip issues. Those are more serious than most things on the body. If you had to rank problem areas to force you out of football, hips are probably third on that list behind head and back. They’re an integral part of being a lineman or really any position on the field. Good for Dietzen for not trying to push through and letting his body recover fully for once in his life.

Badgers are now down to one returning offensive lineman next season with Tyler Badisaz. Weirdly enough, he might be the best of the bunch. People were surprised when he returned to school to play another year of college football. He will lead a younger group next season.

Good luck to Dietzen in his life post-football. It’s weird as hell for a bit but the freedom feels so good after awhile.

Charlie.