ATLANTA — Georgia Tech team captain Kyle Efford announced on Tuesday that his career is ending in a way he never imagined.
The senior linebacker says he is retiring for health reasons.
“Over the past few years, my body has taken more damage than I can continue to ignore,” Efford said. “And while my heart and mind still have so much more to give, I’ve reached a point where I have to start thinking about the life I have ahead of me.”
Efford didn’t imagine his career coming to an end halfway through his senior year. But he has only been able to play in three games this year after he had surgery on his shoulder.
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Efford’s final game in a Yellow Jackets uniform was special though. Georgia Tech defeated Duke, 28-25, for its first ACC win of the season. Efford finished with six tackles in front of the home crowd at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key said the senior isn’t done leading this team and will forever be a part of the program.
“Georgia Tech football program would not be where it is, what it is, without Kyle, from the bottom of my soul and from the program, I thank you, man,” Key said. “Played the game the way you’re supposed to, but more importantly, off the field, a man of character and substance.”
Efford led the team in tackles from 2023-2025 and finished his career with 250 total tackles.
“This isn’t how I imagined my football career coming to an end, but I’m at peace. Because I can say with full confidence that I gave this game everything that I had in me. There’s nothing left in the tank, and I have no regrets in my heart,” he said.
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