North Carolina linebacker Joe Jackson will be unable to continue his playing career due to a neck injury. The junior from Jacksonville, Fla., was injured in the season-opener against South Carolina.
“After talking with my family and the UNC doctors, I have decided it is in my best interest to stop playing football,” says Jackson. “It was a difficult decision and I appreciate the support of my teammates and coaches.”
Jackson was listed as the starting weakside linebacker entering the season and made four tackles against the Gamecocks. In 2014, he played in eight games as a reserve and had seven tackles.
In addition, redshirt freshman safety Cameron Albright will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury. Dr. Alex Creighton performed microfracture surgery on his right knee at UNC Hospitals earlier this month.
UNC Injury Report (Georgia Tech game):
Out for the Season
Cameron Albright, safety
Joe Jackson, linebacker
Taylor Vippolis, wide receiver
Doubtful
Tommy Hatton, center
Questionable
Allen Artis, safety
Corey Bell Jr., cornerback
Bentley Spain, offensive tackle