Big Names Sitting Out Of Bowl Games

It’s recently been announced that Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey will sit out for his teams bowl game to focus on the NFL Draft. McCaffrey himself announced the following:

“Very tough decision, but I have decided not to play in the Sun Bowl so I can begin my draft prep immediately,” McCaffrey wrote on Twitter. “Thx to all my teammates for their 100% support — It means a lot to me. Go Cardinal!”. 

McCaffrey likely doesn’t want to risk injury, and wants to make NFL-type money. He is leaving his team without their best player on the team during an important game.

McCaffrey announced December 7th that he would forgo his senior season to enter the draft. He has said he plans to return to Stanford to earn his degree in communications. McCaffrey is prepared for the future, and this only proves that. 

Another high profile name sitting out of their bowl game is Leonard Fournette. Fournette announced last Friday that he’d sit out for the Citrus Bowl as LSU takes on Louisville. The difference is that Fournette has been banged up this season with an ankle injury. 

“We understand that this was a very difficult decision. For three years Christian has not only been a great player, but a great teammate as well,” Stanford coach David Shaw said in a statement. “We wish him great success at the next level, as we continue our preparation for the Sun Bowl.”.  Sophomore wide receiver Trenton Irwin tweeted that the team supports McCaffrey. “The whole team supports @CMccaffrey5 in everything and anything. Hes been a leader to this team through the easy times and tough times.”.

Sun Bowl executive Bernie Olivas has noted that he was disappointed but understanding of the decision by McCaffrey. 

“McCaffrey was hurt earlier this year so I am sure that weighed on his decision,” Olivas said. “He has a tremendous NFL career ahead of him and that might be sitting in the back of his head. Risking injury or re-injuring might be some things he is thinking about so it really is hard to be too disappointed. Although some might see this as a trend, I believe that playing in a bowl game would be a great way to wrap up a college career. We’ve had our fair share of players who have played in our game and I hope we continue to see more.” Stanford will be taking on North Carolina.