Northwestern's White retires from football

Oct 23, 2014 - 6:56 PM Evanston, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Northwestern cornerback Dwight White has decided to retire from football after learning he has only one kidney.

"Being a member of the football program at Northwestern University has been a huge blessing," White said in a statement Thursday. "Throughout my life, football has been awesome during the good times where I've had lots of success, and through the tough times where I've strived for success.

"This football family is part of who I am, and that won't change with this decision I've had to make for my long-term health. It hurts knowing I will no longer wear my family name across my back and Northwestern across the front of my jersey on a national level, but I will always support my friends and my second family on and off the field. As I get older, I will be able to look back on this decision and feel good about the time I have had here as a student-athlete. I'm so grateful to be here at Northwestern where I'm able to continue my education at this prestigious University.

"I would like to thank my family, friends, coaches, teammates and especially the Northwestern Sports Medicine staff for all of their support."

White has been approved by the Big Ten Conference as a Medical Noncounter, beginning in the 2015-16 academic year. Currently in his junior year academically, White played in all 12 games (six starts) last season.

"We love Dwight and we're proud to have him as a part of the Wildcats football family," head coach Pat Fitzgerald said in a statement. "It's disappointing to lose a great teammate from the field but I'm excited he's able to remain involved in the program, and I'm looking forward to his continuing development as a student, a leader and a professional at Northwestern."