MISSOULA – One of the best players in a long time from Missoula has decided to step away from the game he loves. Jordan Tripp told MTN Sports Thursday night he is retiring from football.
Tripp’s career lasted far longer than many thought possible a decade ago. His hometown Grizzlies were the only school to give the Missoula Big Sky Eagle a chance to play Division I football. He ended up starting games in four seasons at UM and became a two-time FCS all-American.
The Miami Dolphins selected the linebacker in the fifth round of the 2014 draft. Tripp bounced around in the NFL, playing in 37 games for the Dolphins, Jaguars, Seahawks, Packers and Falcons over four seasons. But he did not play at all this year. And recent concussions convinced him to hang up his jersey.
“It was kind of tough,” admitted Tripp. “I decided to stop playing because I had concussions. I never had them before. If I never had them, I would have kept playing. I’m just very thankful for the opportunity. It was a dream come true. And to anybody out there, if you only have one shot or one chance, that’s all it takes. That’s all I got. Thank God for Bobby Hauck. I’m just very blessed to be able to go and live that dream.”
Tripp’s father and grandfather also played at Montana. Bobby Hauck has said he never saw a player get more excited when he received an offer to play for the Grizzlies.
