Georgia Tech captain Kyle Efford medically retires from football after shoulder injury Kyle Efford, a two-time team captain and two-time All-ACC selection at Georgia Tech, announced Tuesday he is medically retiring from football after aggravating his surgically repaired shoulder in a Week 2 game against Tennessee. He will remain with the program as a captain and take on player-coach duties for the rest of the season. Georgia Tech linebacker Kyle Efford announced Tuesday that he is medically retiring from football, ending a career in which he served as a two-time team captain and led the Yellow Jackets in tackles in each of the past three seasons. Efford will remain a visible presence within the program. He is retaining his role as a team captain while taking on player-coach responsibilities for the rest of the season. The injury stemmed from a Week 2 matchup against Tennessee, when Efford aggravated his surgically repaired shoulder. The setback ultimately led him to step away from the field.Kyle Efford Medically Retires From FootballIn a statement, Efford explained that his body could no longer absorb the punishment the sport requires. He said the damage will continue to remind him of the game he loves for many years to come. Efford added that while his heart and mind still have much more to give, he has reached a point where he must start thinking about the life he has ahead of him.He acknowledged that retirement was not the ending he envisioned but said he walks away without regrets. Efford said he is at peace and gave the game every single piece of himself, adding that there is nothing left in the tank and no regrets in his heart. Efford leaves the football field with several honors. He was a two-time team captain, earning the distinction in 2024 and 2026.Kyle Efford Earns Academic And Athletic HonorsHe was also a two-time All-ACC selection, receiving third-team honors in 2024 and honorable mention recognition in 2025. Away from the gridiron, Efford excelled in the classroom. He was selected to the All-ACC Academic Team and graduated from Georgia Tech in December 2025. During Efford's tenure, the Yellow Jackets won 30 games and advanced to three consecutive bowl games, a stretch that coincided with his leadership on defense.His production was consistent from the start of his career. He led Georgia Tech in tackles in each of the past three seasons, establishing himself as one of the program's most dependable defenders. The announcement brings a close to a career defined by durability and leadership until the shoulder injury made continuing untenable. Efford now shifts to a coaching role while remaining a captain for the remainder of the year.