Morgantown, West Virginia – Redshirt junior Mike O’Laughlin, who has struggled with injuries during his entire career with the West Virginia Mountaineers, may have played his last down as a college football player.
O’Laughlin, the team’s starting tight end, has 37 receptions, 292 yards and 1 touchdown during his time with the Mountaineers, shared a heart-breaking message late last night, expressing his gratitude for the fans and unfortunately sharing that he may never play the game again.
“Dear Mountaineer Nation, I write to you today with a heavy, yet grateful heart. I rolled into Morgantown in June 2018 as a 6’5 215 pound wide receiver recruited to play tight end for West Virginia. Unfortunately, I suffered an ACL injury on my left knee during my first practice in 2018. So, I went to work…just like all of the hard-working people of this state and community. I battled back…grinding, lifting, rehabbing, lifting some more, and had the good fortune of representing this great university and state in the old Gold and Blue. I wore the Flying WV and state logo with great pride and loved going to battle with my brothers on the gridiron.”
O’Laughlin continued: “I had so much more to give, but it seems that I am running out of chances to show you. To my teammates, thank you guys for believing in me even through my injuries. You guys having my back means the world to me and I know you’ll go on to show them how great we can be.
I have not yet made a decision on whether I will continue to play or hang up the cleats. This game is beautiful, yet brutal. Keep that in mind as you cheer for your Mountaineers and cherish every time we get to join together and sing “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” I appreciate you Mountaineer Nation and thank you for the cheers and support.”
Let’s Go!
Sincere thanks,
Mike O’Laughlin
Read the entire message below:
