Why this legacy Texas A&M football player just retired

The Texas A&M football team had a strange year on the offensive line in 2021. The Aggies eventually had a really strong unit but injuries derailed the team early on in the season, making it difficult for backup Zach Calzada to settle in. This showed as A&M’s offense took a distinct step back from a season prior.

The unit did clamp up though and eventually, the Aggies would develop a serviceable offense with a healthy(ish) offensive line.

One of the biggest issues, however, was in regards to the Aggies’ original projected starting center in Luke Matthews, who would never end up starting a game at Texas A&M. The Aggie offensive lineman struggled with injuries throughout spring and would appear in just a single game in 2021 before missing the remainder of the season.

Texas A&M football OL Luke Matthews is no longer physically able to play football

For the Texas A&M football team, Luke Matthews’ commitment brought forth a lot of excitement. The Aggie offensive lineman came in as a four-star recruit, top-20 offensive guard, and top-50 player in the state of Texas.

More importantly, however, he brought name recognition. Matthews has a big football family — both literally and figuratively. The Aggie offensive lineman’s brother in Jake Matthews was on the offensive line during Johnny Manziel’s years and quickly became the best offensive lineman in the country. His All-American season allowed him to be drafted sixth overall in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Matthews’ dad was also extremely impactful in football. Though he did not attend Texas A&M, Bruce Matthews played at USC before having an extremely successful NFL career. He’d eventually be selected and admitted to the NFL Hall of Fame.

Naturally, Luke Matthews brought excitement to the Texas A&M football team. Unfortunately, this excitement was cut short before it could begin, as the Aggie center could not avoid injury. After years of struggling to get back onto the field, Matthews is officially done. Here’s what Jimbo Fisher said about his offensive lineman.

"“Luke is done. He’s a medical (retirement). Yes. He can’t play.”"

Though this is a sad story, the Texas A&M football team seemingly moved on from Matthews’ presence after his injury last season. In a way, the Aggies already went through the trauma of losing their promising offensive lineman.

We will not see Matthews suit up in an Aggie uniform again. Heck, his 12th Man page has already been taken down.