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Northwestern All-Big Ten CB Matthew Harris retires

Northwestern CB Matthew Harris finishes his career with 161 total tackles. (AP Photo/Brian Ray)
Northwestern CB Matthew Harris finishes his career with 161 total tackles. (AP Photo/Brian Ray)

After dealing with a bevy of injuries throughout his career, Northwestern cornerback Matthew Harris has decided to retire from football.

The program announced the news Monday morning. Harris, a senior, detailed his decision in a statement.

“This is an incredibly difficult decision to reach, but it is the right one for me and for my future,” said Harris. “I’m so thankful for Coach Fitzgerald, Coach Brown and the rest of the staff that brought me to Northwestern and have mentored me over the last several years. My teammates are like brothers, and while not being on the field with them has been frustrating and challenging, I’m so proud of the group and what we’ve helped build together. I owe thanks to our athletic training and sports medicine staffs, whose care throughout my Wildcats career has been outstanding. Finally and most importantly, I can never appropriately express the love and gratitude I have for my family, which has supported me on every step of this journey and will continue to for years to come.

“There are few things I love more than playing the game of football and the game has provided me with so many opportunities, including the chance to attend this University. It has been a blessing to be a part of this community and learn so many lessons. Northwestern has given me so much, I look forward to taking full advantage of my chance to give back to the world around me in the future.”

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Harris hasn’t suited up for the Wildcats since he sustained a concussion vs. Illinois State on Sept. 10. He also suffered concussions during his freshman and sophomore seasons. In 2015, Harris missed a game after suffering facial fractures vs. Michigan.

Despite the injuries, Harris was very productive on the field for the Wildcats. He finishes his career with 161 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions and three forced fumbles in 37 career games. He was an All-Big Ten selection in 2015 and was named a team captain entering the 2016 campaign.

Northwestern started the year 1-3 but has rebounded with three straight wins. The Wildcats will travel to Columbus to face No. 6 Ohio State on Saturday.

For more Northwestern news, visit WildcatReport.com.

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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!