Ford gives up playing football

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky wide receiver DeMoreo Ford is giving up playing football because of concussions, Coach Rich Brooks announced Sunday. A native of LaGrange, Ga., Ford also has battled knee injuries during his career. After sustaining a concussion in the Mississippi State game on Nov. 1, physicians have advised him to retire from the sport.

Ford played in 37 games for Kentucky, including five starting assignments. His collegiate totals feature 23 receptions for 292 yards, an average of 12.7 yards per catch, and three touchdowns.

Ford’s top career highlight came in the second quarter of the 2006 Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl. On the first play following a surprise fake punt from deep in Kentucky territory, quarterback André Woodson hit Ford with a 70-yard touchdown bomb to give the Wildcats a 14-6 lead. Kentucky led the rest of the way en route to upsetting Clemson, 28-20.

“DeMoreo has been a really important player in our program,” Coach Rich Brooks said. “He’s going to assume the role of student coach and continue to help the development of our young receivers. For his long-term health, this is clearly the best decision.”

A redshirt junior in terms of eligibility, Ford will participate in Senior Day ceremonies during the Vanderbilt game on Saturday.