Ryan Day announced Wednesday that two Ohio State offensive linemen medically retired from football this offseason.
As first reported by Nathan Baird of Cleveland.com, the fifth-year Ohio State head coach confirmed Wednesday that offensive tackles Avery Henry and Grant Toutant have both ended their football careers for medical reasons.
In December 2022, Henry revealed he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. After a five-month battle with the illness, the St. Clairsville, Ohio, native said he was in remission as of May 11 and required only a few more treatments before he was officially cancer free.
A few weeks later, Ohio State offensive line coach Justin Frye told Eleven Warriors that Henry's return to football would be "way down the road." However, Day's announcement Wednesday afternoon indicated that Henry will take a step back from the sport. Henry further clarified the decision on Twitter Wednesday evening.
Ive been dreading this post for awhile but it has to be done. As many of you have asked can you return to football and the quick and easy response is no. Osteosarcoma/Chemo Takes a lot from you. Medical doctors have told me they wouldnt clear me and Its extremely dangerous.
— King_Henry2.0 (@AveryHenry731) July 26, 2023
I appreciate the support everyone has given through this trying time. I will continue to be at the facility and team events! The fight is never over. We as lovers of this great game stand united through whatever happens! Go bucks!!
— King_Henry2.0 (@AveryHenry731) July 26, 2023
Toutant's reason for medically retiring remains undisclosed. The Warren, Michigan, native was about to enter his fourth season with the Buckeyes. Throughout his time in Columbus, he was an OSU Scholar-Athlete in 2020 and an Academic All-Big Ten honoree in 2021.
Following Henry and Toutant's departure from the program, Ohio State still has 16 scholarship offensive linemen on the roster due to its offseason transfer portal additions of San Diego State tackle Josh "Jimmy" Simmons and Louisiana Lafayette center Vic Cutler. The Buckeyes are also at their NCAA-mandated scholarship limit of 85.
