Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Football: What’s Next for former Tar Heel Ryan Switzer?

By Aaron Conrad

BEREA, OHIO - JULY 28: Wide receiver Ryan Switzer #15 talks with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Cleveland Browns during the first day of Cleveland Browns Training Camp on July 28, 2021 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
BEREA, OHIO - JULY 28: Wide receiver Ryan Switzer #15 talks with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Cleveland Browns during the first day of Cleveland Browns Training Camp on July 28, 2021 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Ryan Switzer energized the UNC Football program from 2013-2016. Now he is preparing for life after his playing career.

“Hey dad, Ryan Switzer retired.”

That was the scene a few weeks ago in our kitchen as I was making dinner. My son, Austin, announced the UNC football standout’s retirement right there around the kitchen island.

A part of me was sad.

From 2013 to 2016, our favorite player on the UNC Football gridiron was number three. On an October night in 2015, I picked my son Austin up from school and we made our way to Pittsburgh for an important road game for the Tar Heels.

“Switz” did not disappoint.

We were there when Marquis Williams somehow got out of a face mask to throw a beautiful pass to our favorite player.

After graduating, we followed Switzer’s career with stops in Dallas, Oakland, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland. After a series of injuries, the former Tar Heel attempted to make one more comeback with the Houston Texans but officially decided that it was time to retire back in July.

So… what’s next for Switzer?

Switzer recently worked with the West Virginia receivers in preparation for a future in coaching. He plans to continue to address his current injury as he looks to the future. He recently provided more insight in an article with Ryan Pitt of the Herald-Dispatch.com:

"“I had an ankle injury in Cleveland that kept me out for a year and my wife and I sat down and decided to give it one more try. I rehabbed and got back in playing shape and I was feeling great in the summer. I had a couple of workouts with teams, got a call from Houston and expected to get signed. Then to injure my ankle in a workout setting when there isn’t any variables or defense, I felt like it was just a sign that it was time to move on and close that chapter.”"

I have a feeling many UNC football fans will continue to follow his journey not only to full health but towards his future endeavors as well. One thing is for sure, we will never forget the contributions on and off the field that Switzer has made in Chapel Hill.

Next. UNC Football: Ryan Switzer Retires From Football. dark

Follow us @KeepingItHeel on Twitter and like our fan page on Facebook for continued coverage of UNC basketball news, views, and updates.

Home/UNC Football