The veteran linebacker won’t see another snap with BYU football.
As BYU faced the Kansas Jayhawks in their inaugural Big 12 conference game, veteran linebacker Ben Bywater felt a large “pop” in his shoulder during a big hit. Only months after another shoulder surgery, Bywater was forced to undergo what would be a season-ending procedure.
“I knew it was torn as soon as it happened… The truth is that I injured a nerve in my arm,” Bywater stated in an interview with the DJ & PK Show. “It would be five to six weeks from when it happened… [It’s] sad, but it was one of those times when I really tried to push it. But at the end of the day, I’m still unable to move it. It’s been three weeks. “I still have nerve damage in my arm,” he said.
Despite his initial assessment, Bywater’s rehabilitation did not progress as planned. Weeks moved into months, and Bywater’s shoulder was just not ready for full-contact play when the season began in late August.
On Wednesday, the Olympus High School product announced his retirement from football, sending shockwaves across the BYU football community.
Head coach Kalani Sitake expressed unhappiness with Bywater’s comments on ABC4 News.
“We knew this was a possibility. We were hopeful that he could get back and be ready for us to play, but it’s just too risky. As much as he would love to play for us this year, it’s just not worth the risk. He has a future in life, and possibly in football too. I’m thankful for what he’s done here.”
– Kalani Sitake per ABC4 News
He had 247 career tackles as a Cougar, and his departure will be a huge hurdle for a BYU squad whose expectations appear to be lowering. Bywater will remain with the squad in a non-playing capacity, attending practices, watching film, and doing whatever he can to make a positive contribution to the team.
The linebacker’s chances of returning to football are slim, despite having had a successful career with the Cougars. After suffering the shoulder injury that forced his retirement, Bywater expressed a wish to return to football.
“I will be playing football next year, whether it is here or the NFL, I don’t know.”
– Ben Bywater, 2023
We will miss his impact and leadership on the BYU football team, and we wish Ben the best of luck in the next chapter of his life, football or not.