Why John Urschel left the NFL for MIT is more than a question; it’s a narrative about choosing intellectual curiosity over fame, and long-term impact over momentary accolades.
As a former Baltimore Ravens guard with a promising NFL career, Urschel’s decision to step away from the gridiron to dive headfirst into academia shocked many.
Yet, for those who know him well, it made perfect sense. His story is an inspiring testament to following your true passion, even when it means leaving a high-profile life behind.
From Gridiron to Graphs – A Major Life Pivot
At Penn State, Urschel excelled in two very different arenas: football and mathematics. Unsurprisingly, both paths offered tremendous opportunities. While the NFL promised a life of recognition and financial reward, math offered something more profound a sense of fulfillment.
Initially, he chose football, declaring for the 2014 NFL Draft. Selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round, Urschel quickly made a name for himself on the field, even contributing to a playoff run during his rookie season.
However, the deeper he ventured into professional sports, the more he realized something was missing.
That something, as he described it, was the joy of “talking math with people.” In contrast to the physical intensity of the NFL, math provided a mental challenge that aligned with his lifelong love for learning.
Despite being surrounded by world-class athletes, Urschel yearned for the kind of engagement he found in linear algebra discussions. Gradually, his focus shifted first to graduate studies and ultimately to a full departure from football.
The Academic Calling
Once enrolled at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Urschel immersed himself in advanced research, particularly matrix computations. He approached the complexity of math with the same intensity he had once reserved for football.
Although juggling both roles initially, he made the permanent transition to academia by retiring from the NFL in 2017.
While most people might find it difficult to leave behind a career in the spotlight, for Urschel, the change felt necessary. He began teaching, publishing research, and contributing to groundbreaking mathematical theories, including co-authoring the Urschel-Zikatanov Theorem.
Moreover, he accepted a postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Study and became a member of the Harvard Society of Fellows both prestigious roles in the academic world.
In the fall of 2025, he will be teaching an introductory linear algebra course to as many as 300 students. Simultaneously, he supports MIT’s √mathroots initiative, which aims to diversify the field of mathematics by reaching underrepresented high school students.
This mission resonates deeply with Urschel, particularly as a Black mathematician in a field that still lacks diversity.
Beyond mere statistics the larger purpose
Urschel’s exit from the NFL was influenced by factors beyond his desire for academic engagement. A primary concern was the potential long-term effects of head injuries. Although he has not experienced any concussion-related symptoms thus far, the threat of brain trauma significantly influenced his decision.
Aware of the importance of safeguarding his cognitive abilities, he opted for a path that would enable him to flourish intellectually in the years to come. Furthermore, his experience in the NFL provided him with valuable perspectives on the difficulties athletes encounter after their sports careers.
He commends the NFL Players Association for its initiatives supporting players post-retirement. Nonetheless, his transition from football to mathematics serves as a broader reminder that athletes ought to be encouraged to prepare for life after their athletic careers.
Chess, which was once one of Urschel’s cherished hobbies, has temporarily taken a back seat due to his family and professional commitments.
Nevertheless, he hopes to return to the game in the future and achieve national master status. In the interim, he continues to find motivation in the strategic genius of players such as Magnus Carlsen.
The Reasons Behind John Urschel’s Departure from the NFL to Pursue Studies at MIT Upon reflection, one cannot help but appreciate the bravery inherent in his choice. He did not merely leave a lucrative and prestigious career; rather, he moved towards a pursuit that he genuinely valued.
The realm of academia provided him with what the NFL could not: lasting intellectual engagement, opportunities for innovation, and a platform to shape the future of aspiring mathematicians. Even though he no longer watches football regularly, Urschel remains a thoughtful observer of the sport.