Georgia Tech linebacker Kyle Efford is ending his playing career because of ongoing physical damage, the team captain announced Tuesday. He plans to remain involved with the Yellow Jackets, serving as a captain and taking on player-coach duties for the rest of the season, according to the source report.
Efford aggravated a surgically repaired shoulder in Georgia Tech’s Week 2 matchup against Tennessee. He said in a statement that injuries had reached a point where he needed to consider his long-term health. He described the decision as difficult but said he had no regrets about his football career.
Efford led Georgia Tech in tackles in each of the previous three seasons and finished his college career with 250 tackles. He was a captain in 2024 and 2026 and earned All-ACC recognition twice: third-team honors in 2024 and honorable mention in 2025. He was also named to the All-ACC Academic Team and graduated from Georgia Tech in December 2025.
During Efford’s tenure, the Yellow Jackets won 30 games and reached bowl games in three consecutive seasons. The source report says Georgia Tech began the current season with two losses, then ended its losing streak in Week 6 with a 28-25 win over Duke.
