DeVonte Holloman: Ending playing career has been rough, but it was an easy decision
IRVING - DeVonte Holloman talked to media members Monday for the first time since suffering a career-ending spinal injury during the Dallas Cowboys' second preseason game.
Holloman said he is dealing with spinal stenosis, which stems from the same injury he suffered his rookie year.
Sustaining such an injury makes the second-year linebacker much more likely to suffer paralysis from another hit.
"It's pretty rough, but I got a good support system with my family, and the Cowboys are doing everything that they can to help me out," Holloman said. "Considering my family and my health, it's an easy decision."
Holloman, who missed seven games last season from what he called a spinal contusion, immediately knew he suffered a serious injury late in the game against Baltimore.
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After the play he punched the ground in frustration before team doctors arrived on the field.
"My arms locked up when I made contact with the guy," Holloman said. "It was scary for me, and just frustrating.
"In the back of my mind I kind of knew what was getting ready to happen, so I had plenty of time to prepare myself."
At this time, Holloman doesn't know exactly what the future holds for him. Coaching is a possibility. The University of South Carolina has offered the former Gamecock a graduate assistant coaching spot with their football team. But he's still weighing his options.
What has been the toughest part for the 23-year-old?
"Watching," Holloman said. "I just watched the last preseason game and I was jittery. My daughter and my girlfriend were trying to be around me and I was just into the game. It'll be hard, but I'm still rooting for all these guys out here. I'm a Cowboys fan for life."
Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota
