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Texas' Charlie Strong on David Ash retiring: 'He's done a lot for this program'

Soobum Im / USA TODAY Sports

There was no easy way for Texas coach Charlie Strong to deliver the news about David Ash.

Strong announced the junior quarterback's decision to retire from football due to lingering concussion symptoms after practice Wednesday, showing clear signs of emotion.

"We just decided, because of his health - that's the No. 1 concern for all of us - that he's no longer going to play football," Strong told ESPN. "But he is going to be part of the team, because I told him I wanted him around the team and that's what he deserves."-

Ash suffered a concussion last September at BYU and since then has only appeared in two games. This week he met with Strong and the two agreed it was in his best interest to step away from the game.

"The trainers and doctors had been working with him and, like I said, his health is our major concern," Strong said. "We sat down to talk and he said, 'Coach, this is what I'd like to do.'"

Although the training staff at the school couldn't allow him to play due to his concussion history, Ash's decision to officially end his playing career was his own.

"It was a very tough call for him," Strong said. "He's very emotional. He's done a lot for this program, been a major part of this university."

Some former Longhorn great shared their love for the former QB.

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