Florida's Roderick Johnson retiring due to medical condition

Florida offensive lineman Roderick Johnson's football career is over after the team's medical staff diagnosed the redshirt sophomore with congenital cervical stenosis.

The condition is a narrowing of the spinal canal enveloping the spinal cord, which prevents enough fluid from gathering around the spinal cord so as to properly protect it from injury.

Johnson had not shown any signs of the condition prior to suffering a stinger during an April 3 scrimmage. Following an MRI and consultation with specialists and team physicians, it was recommended that he retire from the sport.

Johnson served as an occasional starter for the Gators last season, and was expected to start on a full-time basis this season.