Missouri's Nate Crawford retires due to back injury

Missouri offensive lineman Nate Crawford is giving up football because of back issues, head coach Barry Odom announced Tuesday.

Crawford was an asset to the Tigers up front last season, spending time at both tackle and guard.

"Here in the last few days, sitting down with the medical staff again, we decided it was best at this time … for him long term that he’s medically retired," Odom said.

The junior recovered from back surgery after the 2014 campaign, but wasn't able to get healthy enough to play again after another recent procedure.