Much respect for Grant. Excellently written.  We are better for having him on the team and I'm excited to see what he accomplishes in the world.

Grant Newsome is a person of integrity, character and respect.

I am not.  I'm a loathed douchebag on the Internet, so I get to say things most people wouldn't, because there's little point in trying to be something else at this stage of my life.

FUCK Wisconsin.  Fuck them and their cheap shots.  Legal or not, your CB is a scumbag who destroyed a knee and with it a promising career for one goddamn play.  And worst thing is, asshole would probably say it's just the nature of the game or some stupid irresponsible shit.

Anyway, godspeed Grant, and stay away from people like me, and Wisconsin DBs.

Yes, Grant, not every story has a happy ending...and losing you to medical retirement is tough to swallow for everyone here who wants you and your beloved football program to enjoy huge success this season, and now won't be able to cheer on No. 77 personally.

That by no means precludes you from being the type of inspirational role model that every team requires to fulfill their seasonal goals as a prelude to an unknowable future.

When adversity strikes and points us in a different direction, the way we meet that challenge often sets the guideposts for our path forward. It seems to me based on your personal background and choices and school accomplishments since childhood and the hard sacrifices you've endured in your quest to rehabilitate yourself to again become a high-level football player, is already a gift by example to those around you.

I think it is only appropriate that you remain with the team working with and helping coach your peers as you finish your masters program at this great university.

To that end, you've already exceeded incredible odds, more than fulfilling the Harbaugh coaching mantra, by attacking your rehab and return to the team with a passion unknown to mankind. Falling short of playing again, while disappointing remains a massive tribute to your personal will and desire to compete -- not just on the field. 

No one knows how their own story will eventually turn out. We all get to write it each day as choices, opportunities and obstacles confront us. But judging from the way you have already approached the kind of challenges few of us will ever experience, makes me highly confident about your future and contribution to whatever worldly direction you choose.

Sometimes happy endings are harder to envision while we're making the choices that lead us there. But you've already succeeded in my book, and seeing you back on the team, is a happy ending for me. 

All the best to the young man; every indication portends a bright and prosperous future for him, and I truly hope he can achieve all that he sets his mind to, despite a part of that no longer being on the football field.