Mar 27, 2015 12:54 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Patton Robinette, the starting quarterback at Vanderbilt University, has announced his football career is over.

According to the Tennessean, Robinette spoke to the team's head coach, Derek Mason, and then to his teammates Thursday, about a week after the Commodores' Black and Gold spring game.

"This has been a very difficult decision to make," Robinette said in the school's news release. "This team means the world to me and I love playing football more than anything. It's been tough coming to a decision that is right for my family and I, and protects my health and future.

"I've been very deliberate in coming to this decision. It's difficult but I'm really excited to move forward to the next chapter of my life and really to see what the field of medicine has in store for me."

Robinette said he past injuries, such as concussions, factored into his decision, as did his entry to the Vanderbilt School of Medicine. He came into the Commodores' season this time last year as the starting QB and had a clear path to retaining that role.

In 16 games in two seasons, Robinette threw for 1,096 yards and seven touchdowns. He also delivered a win in the 2013 BBVA Compass Bowl against Houston in his freshman season.

"Patton Robinette is one of the most fierce competitors that I've ever had the pleasure to coach," Mason said in the release. "He's been a winner on every level and a guy that others look to for leadership. Patton leaves this football team in good hands, and has done a fantastic job of helping to create a foundation for success.

"This has been tough on Patton and his family, but we support his decision and look forward to seeing what the future in medicine holds for such an outstanding young man."

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