Oregon State linebacker Mason Tufaga says he’s retiring from football

Oregon State Spring Football Game

CORVALLIS, OR - APRIL 22: Wide receiver Trent Walker #28 of the Oregon State Beavers protects the ball as inside linebacker Mason Tufaga #42 goes in for the tackle during the Oregon State Spring Football Game at Reser Stadium on April 22, 2023 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)Getty Images

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Oregon State linebacker Mason Tufaga announced that he’s retiring from football.

A highly acclaimed recruit from Hawaii who originally signed with Utah in 2020, Tufaga never played a down in three years with the Utes or Oregon State. The 6-foot-1, 240-pound Tufaga transferred to OSU following the 2022 season at Utah.

Tufaga’s position was inside linebacker during his three-year college stint. Tufaga moved to outside linebacker this spring.

Writing about his decision on Instagram, Tufaga wrote “no words could ever describe the gratitude I feel for this game and the endless opportunities and experiences it’s given me. I’m especially grateful for the lifelong relationships I’ve been able to create along the way. Stepping away from football has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make.”

Tufaga’s brother Isaiah played at Oregon State during the 2018 season before transferring to Hawaii.

--Nick Daschel can be reached at 360-607-4824, ndaschel@oregonian.com or @nickdaschel.

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