Sam Heckel retiring

[syrBossHogg]

 

[CuseLegacy]

 

[TheCusian]

Bummer. Good luck in whatever you do next, Sam.

 

[djorange1989]

gutsy kid who beat the odds by playing college football at all. all the best to Sam and hopefully a very healthy future

 

[4the Dubbz]

One thing's for sure, he'll be great at something. Hopefully it's helping the continuous build where he laid the foundation.

 

[CuseLegacy]

 

[kcsu]

I feel badly for him.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[rrlbees]

Forget about the team, it really sucks for the kid. Maybe he can stay on as a GA.

 

[LeMoyneCuse]

Sucks. Did a very credible job as a starter his RS Frosh year and gave us serious depth advantages in 2018.

 

[sutomcat]

Sorry he was not able to finish his career. Seemed like a really tough, smart guy who was really missed on the field this past season.

Glad there is a lot more caution with head injuries these days. Hope Sam is able to get his degree and live a long, healthy life.

He will be missed.

 

[JSOrange97]

On a cruise last year my wife and I had table mates that were from Sam’s town. Both worked in the schools and knew of him and what he had to deal with to continue to play football. They were very proud of him and we are as well.

Thanks, Sam, for your effort and positive representation of Syracuse University. Best wishes for a successful future!

 

[OttoinGrotto]

This is probably for the best. Always a bummer to hear it though.

 

[cuseguy]

Many saw this coming, but it’s still unfortunate, However, Sam seems like the type who will find success after football.

 

[orangepassion]

Most importantly, hopefully they caught it before any possible long term-effects and he can lead a long, healthy life.

 

[orangenauburn]

Three spots open now

 

[SmilinBob]

Well this makes me sad. As others said you knew it was probably coming but hoped otherwise. I always enjoyed having a kid from Waukesha on the team as my daughter went to school there and always enjoyed the town.

Good luck Sam and we'll always be rooting for you in whatever you decide to do. Plus don't forget you may not be able to play the game you love but you can always coach it in some capacity and the coaching field could always use a quality person in leading young people.

 

[Orijinal]

According to my numbers (and sutomcat's revision), we have lost 6 offensive lineman to career ending injury since 2014. I may be missing someone(s) so feel free to update.
Astonishing ...

Sam Heckel
Mike Clark
Liam O'Sullivan
Sam Clausman
Denzel Ward
Kyle Knapp

Gabe Horan (TE)

 

[tep624]

Best of luck Sam, it’s amazing what you’ve been able to overcome even just to play, let alone at this level. Sad that it had to end this way but you’ll do great things I’m sure!

 

[Orangezoo]

Sure hope he can stay on like bees said as a GA ( assuming he wants to be around and involved in football for longer). It sounds like just being on the field required incredible amounts of patience and work. Truly inspiring he accomplished what he did given his condition.

 

[sutomcat]

According to my numbers, we have lost 4 offensive lineman to career ending injury since 2014. I may be missing someone(s) so feel free to update.
Astonishing ...

Sam Heckel
Mike Clark
Liam O'Sullivan
Sam Clausman

Gabe Horan (TE)

Add Kyle Knapp and Denzel Ward to your list.

 

[Orijinal]

Add Kyle Knapp and Denzel Ward to your list.

Oh yes. Kyle Knapp was a major loss. Thank you

 

[anomander]

One thing's for sure, he'll be great at something. Hopefully it's helping the continuous build where he laid the foundation.

I believe Sam is going to be a teacher. When I spoke with him before the season he was working on his grad work. I kind of got the feel even before the season that the injuries and wear and tear was weighing on him. He will be just fine.

 

[OrangePA]

Thank you Sam for being Orange!

 

[CuseLegacy]