It was pretty apparent in his somewhat limited action this past season that his various injuries had had a deleterious effect on his play.. Sad to see he was unable to make it all the way back but I hope he is able to get on with his life with a minimum of residual pain/disability.

Happy trails Brett! I can't think of anyone who battled more to give everything he had, and then some, to this program. He's been through so much and I know all Cal fans shared in a piece of his suffering and honestly felt for him. We all wanted to see him back on the field at full strength but it became increasingly clear that it just wasn't going to happen. He's making the right call not putting his body through any more trauma so he can one day play ball with his kids and live a happy pain-free life. We've seen too many athletes battle through and one day come to regret it after their playing days.

So I'm happy for Brett to make the right decision for himself long-term. We all came to know and love him through football but he has so much more to offer this world. No one can have anything but the utmost respect for him for going to hell and back for this team. He fought and gave more of himself to be there for his brothers on Saturdays than anyone I can ever remember. He left blood, sweat, and tears on the turf of Memorial Stadium and leaves a legacy of resilience the likes of which we may never see again.

Enjoy traveling over this next year and the peace of no longer having to put yourself through the pain of a life of football. You've done more than enough and you'll have success in whatever you choose to do in your life after football. Thank you sincerely for everything you've done for the school and team we all love. You are, and always will be, not Brett Johnson but BRETT JOHNSON to us. Once a Bear, always a Bear!