Defensive end Peanut Whitehead suffered a severe injury and his
football career at the University of Louisville is over, announced head coach
Steve Kragthorpe.
Whitehead was diagnosed with cogenital cervical spinal stenosis, the
same injury that ended Mike Donoughue's career following the Cincinnati
game. Whitehead suffered the injury on a tackle early in the 38-31 loss
to West Virginia on November 8. After seeing a specialist in
Indianapolis, Ind. on Thursday, it was decided that Whitehead's football career
was over.
The 6-6, 250-pounder from Birmingham, Ala., played in nine games for
the Cardinals this season, recording 25 tackles and two sacks. As a true
freshman last season, Whitehead played in all 13 games and recorded 16
tackles and four sacks.
"We extremely disappointed for Peanut that he will never be able to
play again," said Kragthorpe. "However, We're thankful that he'll be ok
from a physical standpoint. Peanut is a great kid and he will be
successful in whatever he chooses to do."