The effects of multiple concussions has, officially, left a significant hole in the Houston football program.
The Cougars announced Tuesday afternoon that, due to the head injuries, quarterback David Piland‘s playing career has come to an end. Piland, who entered the season as UH’s starter, has not played since suffering the latest in a series of concussions Sept. 7 against Temple.
“David has given everything he’s had to the University of Houston and our football program,” said UH head coach Tony Levine in a statement. “He has been a model student-athletes and a valued leader for us. He has handled everything with class and will continue to be a major part of our program. David’s health and well-being is our top priority, and we respect the decision of our medical staff.”
Piland has started 21 games the past three-plus seasons, including a handful in 2010 as a true freshman in 2010 when starter Case Keenum and his backup, Cotton Turner, went down with season-ending injuries in the same game in mid-September.
The release notes that Piland ends his career at Houston ranked seventh all-time at in passing yards (5,790), completions (478), pass attempts (833), touchdown passes (41), touchdowns responsible for (43) and total offense (6,039).
Piland, who will graduate this December with a degree in business administration, also holds the FBS record for most pass attempts in a single game without an interception, setting the mark of 77 against Louisiana Tech in 2012.
“One of my lifelong dreams and goals has been to play quarterback at the collegiate level and thanks to the University of Houston, I’ve been able to accomplish one of my dreams and meet one of my goals,” the Southlake, Tex., native said. “It was not easy to hear that I can no longer play the game that I love, but I know that our medical staff has my best interests in mind. I will always cherish my time on the field and my time at the University of Houston.”
(Photo credit: Houston athletics)
