Clemson DE Justin Foster quits program, reveals difficulties after COVID-19 diagnosis

Clemson defensive end Justin Foster announced on Wednesday his playing career was coming to an end after losing the 2020 season following a bout with COVID-19 that involved lingering complications. Foster earned an honorable All-ACC accolades after racking up 41 tackles and 4.5 sacks during the 2019 season, and would have been eligible to return in 2021 as a senior fifth year.

Foster graduated in construction science and management in December, and coach Dabo Swinney said he had “a unique opportunity that weighed and pulled him” in his career outside of football. Foster explained the decision to stop playing in a message posted on social networks.

“For those who don’t know, I was born with asthma and allergies which, when active, affect my ability to breathe normally,” Foster wrote. “The combination of these conditions, along with the underwriting of COVID, made physical performance very difficult. Although my situation has improved, I am not in a position now, and I do not see this position soon, to return to field.”

Swinney said he tried to dissuade Foster from his decision, but admitted “he had a very difficult fall” after contracting COVID-19 this summer. Foster entered the Clemson program as a four-star prospect in Shelby, NC in the class of 2017. His contributions on the field have steadily increased, culminating with his outstanding 2019 season.

“If you know Justin Foster, first of all you know he’s a brilliant young man,” Swinney said. “He’s incredibly smart. He has a lot of interests and is very talented. He has a great career ahead of him and he knows exactly what he wants to do.”