BYU linebacker Ben Bywater has announced his retirement from football due to a persistent shoulder injury, leaving his teammates and coaches deeply surprised and saddened.
Bywater sustained a significant shoulder injury during BYU’s Big 12 opener against Kansas on September 23, 2023. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and seeking treatments—including an experimental stem cell procedure in Tijuana, Mexico—his condition did not improve sufficiently for him to return to play. Doctors estimated his shoulder’s strength at less than 50% of its normal capacity, leading to the decision to retire.
Throughout his career at BYU, Bywater amassed 247 tackles, establishing himself as a key leader on the defense. He led the team in tackles in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, with a career-high 102 tackles in 2021. His contributions were pivotal in several games, notably intercepting a pass in the New Mexico Bowl against SMU in 2022.
Bywater’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished college career and represents a significant loss for the BYU football program.
