Old Dominion University star Quarterback Blake LaRussa broke the news on Wednesday that he would be graduating from the four-year university early to pursue a life in ministry.
According to CBN News, LaRussa, who facilitated of the massive upset victory against Virginia Tech in September, announced last week that he would be giving up his fourth year of football to pursue a Master’s of Divinity.
The National Player of Week Quarterback made a statement following his decision, noting that while he has loved his time with the ODU football program, he is ready to move on to what he knows he is meant to do. LaRussa wrote, “It has been an incredible journey with Old Dominion football, but I would like to announce that I will be moving on from football after I graduate this spring and will be going into full-time ministry. This fall (2019) I will be going to seminary school to start my Master’s of divinity.”
He continued, “I am so grateful for all my coaches and teammates who I have grown so close with these past four years.”
“I am confident entering this next chapter of my life and excited to pursue what I have always known to be my heart’s greatest desire, and that is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and help people find hope,” he added.
According to a statement made by ODU Head Coach Bobby Wilder, all of those involved in the ODU football program are standing behind LaRussa’s decision and are proud of him for pursuing his dream.
Wilder wrote, “Everyone associated with our program is very proud of Blake and the decision he has made for his future.”
He continued, “From the moment he walked on campus he represented our program[s] ‘aim high’ philosophy.
According to Under Dog Dynasty, LaRussa, who successfully threw for 3,015 yards and 19 touchdowns this season, played an integral part in catapulting senior receivers Travis Fulgham and Jonathan Dunhart into NFL Draft prospects.