Northwestern's Collin Ellis retiring

Northwestern linebacker Collin Ellis is retiring from football after suffering multiple concussions, coach Pat Fitzgerald announced Monday.

The redshirt senior suffered his most recent concussion Oct. 11 against Minnesota and has been sidelined since. Fitzgerald said the two spoke shortly after that game regarding his future, but the decision to go public was made Monday morning.

"It's a decision I think is absolutely the correct one," Fitzgerald said. "It's one that he's made with our medical team. And we've been in a lot of private conversations, Collin and I, and I think it's the right decision short-term and also the right decision long-term."

Ellis finishes the season with 33 tackles, one sack and an interception. As a starter last season, he had 78 tackles and three picks.

He also served as one of Northwestern's team captains this season.

"It's really sad and disappointing that he won't get a chance to put on the helmet again and the jersey and go out and play," Fitzgerald said. "But he's had a wonderful career. He's doing a great job passing on his knowledge, his love, his passion."