Cam Rising Ends Football Career After Hand Injury \ TezzBuzz \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Utah quarterback Cam Rising announced his medical retirement from football after doctors advised his hand injury is career-ending. Rising still plans to seek a third opinion and undergo surgery. The quarterback had standout seasons in 2021 and 2022 before injuries derailed his career.

Quick Looks

• Cam Rising announces medical retirement after hand injury complications.
• Two orthopedic surgeons advised Rising he cannot safely return to football.
• He plans to undergo surgery and rehab, with hope for recovery.
• Rising says he’ll seek a third medical opinion before ruling out a return.
• Played at Utah from 2020 to 2024, with breakout seasons in 2021 and 2022.
• Knee injury in 2022 Rose Bowl sidelined him for the 2023 season.
• Returned briefly in 2024, but injured hand colliding with hydration table vs. Baylor.
• Tried to return against Arizona State, struggled and didn’t play again.
• Finished college career with over 5,500 passing yards and 46 TDs.
• Rising’s leadership was pivotal in back-to-back Pac-12 Championship runs.

Deep Look

Cam Rising’s announcement of his medical retirement marks the end of one of college football’s most determined and resilient quarterback careers — a journey defined not only by the wins and statistics but by a persistent battle with injury, leadership under pressure, and a commitment to returning stronger after every setback.

On Wednesday, the Utah quarterback took to social media to share the difficult decision that he will “be forced to medically retire from the game I love.” The decision, he explained, came after two orthopedic surgeons independently advised him that a return to high-level football was no longer possible due to the lingering effects of a hand injury sustained early in the 2024 season.

Though Rising stopped short of ruling out a return completely — indicating he plans to seek a third opinion and proceed with surgery and rehabilitation — the tone of his message acknowledged the weight of the moment and the reality that his playing days may be over.

A Career Built on Resilience

Rising’s path to stardom was anything but conventional. A native of Ventura, Californiahe began his college career at Texas before transferring to Utahwhere he eventually earned the starting role and became the face of the Utes’ offense.

In 2021, Rising stepped up in dramatic fashion, leading Utah to its first-ever Pac-12 Championship, throwing for 2,493 yards and 20 touchdowns in a season that redefined the program’s national reputation. The following year, he built on that success, racking up 3,034 yards and 26 touchdownsearning back-to-back Pac-12 titles and two consecutive Rose Bowl appearances.

Those two seasons were not only statistically successful but culturally transformative. Rising embodied the toughness and identity of Kyle Whittingham’s squad — a quarterback unafraid to take hits, extend plays, and lead with grit. Utah, often overshadowed in national conversations, suddenly became a fixture in the top 15 and a serious threat in the postseason.

But Rising’s trajectory was derailed in January 2023 when he suffered a serious knee injury during the Rose Bowl. The injury was more severe than initially reported and forced him to miss the entire 2023 season. Utah, without its captain, struggled to replicate its offensive efficiency and cycled through backup quarterbacks in his absence.

The Final Blow: 2024 Hand Injury

After a full year of rehab and mounting anticipation, Rising returned to the field in 2024, aiming to reclaim his role as team leader and NFL prospect. But that comeback was short-lived.

In only his second game back, against BaylorRising was pushed out of bounds while throwing and collided awkwardly with a hydration tablereportedly jamming his finger against a cooler. The seemingly innocuous incident proved more damaging than it appeared. He later tried to return in October against Arizona Statebut threw three interceptions and was visibly limited in grip and accuracy.

It was his last game. After months of evaluations, Rising’s hand still had not healed properly, and surgeons warned that the risk of long-term damage or re-injury was too great to continue at a competitive level.

This marks the second devastating injury in as many years for the quarterback — and it has forced him to reevaluate the future not only of his playing career but his health and quality of life.

What Rising’s Departure Means for Utah

Rising’s departure signals the end of a defining era for Utah football. His leadership, clutch performances, and consistency under center were central to the program’s transformation from a solid Pac-12 team to a true conference powerhouse.

Head coach Kyle Whittingham now faces a pivotal offseason. Rising’s experience, presence, and football IQ cannot easily be replaced — and neither can his connection with fans, teammates, and the coaching staff. For two years, he was the heartbeat of the team, a steady hand during the program’s rise to national prominence.

The quarterback room will now look to Brandon Rose, Nate Johnsonor a transfer portal addition to lead the next chapter. But whoever steps into the role will carry the weight of following one of the most impactful players in recent Utah history.

Broader Implications: A Cautionary Tale

Rising’s story also illustrates the risks and physical toll of college football, particularly for quarterbacks who often take on dual roles as runners and passers. It’s a reminder that even elite athletes with top-tier training and rehab resources are vulnerable to career-ending injuries.

The sport is changing — with players staying in college longer due to NIL incentives, medical teams pushing aggressive rehab, and fan expectations mounting. Rising’s decision offers a moment of pause: at what point do athletes choose health over glory?

His choice to prioritize long-term healtheven while leaving the door open for a possible return, will likely resonate with players, parents, and programs alike.

A Legacy Defined by Heart

Though he may never throw another pass for Utah, Cam Rising’s legacy is secure. He helped elevate a proud football program to new heights, led with toughness and humility, and fought through adversity at every turn. His decision to retire, made with transparency and self-awareness, reflects the same character he showed on the field.

Whatever comes next — coaching, broadcasting, or simply life beyond the game — Rising will be remembered in Salt Lake City not just as a quarterback, but as a leader who gave everything to the game, and then some.

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