Notre Dame offensive guard Hunter Spears announces retirement

Notre Dame offensive lineman Hunter Spears announced on his personal Twitter he will be retiring from football.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank my family for getting me to where I am today and coach Kelly and the entire coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to play football at the highest level for the best program and university in the country,” Spears wrote. “I have been through a lot in these last four years from countless knee surgeries to being a part of a team in the college football playoff. The game I love so much, however, has taken an immense toll on my body both physically and mentally. After consulting with the program’s medical team and coaching staff, I have decided that it is in my best interest to medically retire from football.”

Spears continued.

“There is no greater university or family than the Notre Dame family,” he said. “The feeling of wearing that gold helmet on Saturdays is a memory that I will cherish for a lifetime. I was able to live my dreams. I played football for the University of Notre Dame surrounded by brothers I will have for a lifetime and supported by people who love and care about me. The only regret I have is not having another body to give to this program and university. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for this team and I am excited to contribute in any way that I can.”

Hunter Spears moved from DL to OL

Coming out of high school, Hunter Spears was recruited as a defensive lineman and played that position freshman year at Notre Dame. He played three games as a freshman in the 2019 season and recorded two total tackles.

Spears was moved to offensive line after his freshman season but was unable to see the field consistently.

Spears was unable to get reps at offensive line in Spring 2020 due to COVID-19 shutting down practices. He went on to miss the entire 2020 season due to injury. The Sachse product didn’t participate in team practices in spring as he continued to recover. Prior to his time at Notre Dame, Spears tore his ACL as a junior and senior in high school.

As a senior at Sachse in 2018, Hunter Spears recorded 58 tackles, 24.0 TFLs, 5.0 sacks, two passes defended, two forced fumbles and one interception.

Spears was rated a four-star by recruiting services. He held 14 offers out of high school, signing with Notre Dame over the likes of Alabama, Cal and TCU.