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Butler gives up football career, keeps athletic scholarship

UH offensive lineman Jerrod Butler, who collapsed during a morning workout in the Elmer Redd Strength ‘ Conditioning Center on Aug. 13, is focusing on recovery after being released from the hospital Friday following an operation in which doctors placed a defibrillator near his heart.

"I feel better, starting to get my legs under me," Butler said. "There’s some soreness, and I still can’t raise my arm over my head really. (I’ve) still got some healing to do."

After the operation on Thursday, Butler announced that he would not return to playing football.

"I won’t be able to play football anymore," Butler said in an interview with Fox 26, KRIV. "I can do the things that I have always done with the exception of playing football, but other than that I’m living a normal life."

Butler suffered from an electrical heart abnormality that the device would help correct in the event of recurrence.

The implanted device would "shock" his heart in the event of future heart trouble, Butler said.

"The surgery was… like a procedure, nothing too serious," he said. "I still have staples and a bandage over it so (I) can’t really see it, but I can feel it there."

Although Butler said it’s not too serious, team physician Dr. James Muntz elaborated on the procedure.

"Doctors inserted an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator under his chest wall," Muntz told Fox 26. "The AICD is great. If the heart does it again, it diagnoses and treats it. It is an uncommon procedure."

Butler said that his faith and the support from the University have been instrumental to his recuperation.

"I just got to know that God is… working through me and has plans for me," he said. "The players and fans have been very supportive. All my teammates have come to see me or sent their love one way or another, and I’m getting prayers coming from everyone."

Butler plans to return to school as soon as he can. The University has announced that Butler will be able to keep his scholarship.

"I’m relieved about the whole situation," said Butler, who plans to study either economics or kinesiology. "I’m just glad I get to resume a semi-normal life at UH and really blessed that the school is keeping me on."

However, don’t expect him to stay away from the football field.

"I am a Cougar and always will be," said Butler. "(I) plan on being a part of my team and being there for them."

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