College football fans were left in awe as Miami tight end Cam McCormick brought his remarkable nine-year college career to an emotional close. The unforgettable moment unfolded on Saturday at the Pop-Tarts Bowl 2024 when Miami fell to the Iowa State Cyclones.
McCormick told the Miami Hurricanes press:
"I never thought that I would be going to college, get a degree, let alone a master's degree,” McCormick said. “Really, this whole journey has been an eye-opening experience.
“I've been faced with one of the harder challenges during my career, but it's really taught me so much about myself and I've been able to grow so much. I've learned so much about myself through all the injuries," he added.
A 19-second video circulating on social media captured McCormick in tears as he embraced his coach after the game. Fans quickly rallied to celebrate his journey.
“Bro left college older than his coaches,” a fan said.
“9 years of college down the drain!” another fan wrote.
“People joking bc it was 9 years but that man battled injury after injury to see the field. Glad he got to finish his dream w a complete season,” another X user wrote.
Several other fans also expressed their reactions:
“Only 9 years playing college football, can’t wait to hear that explanation on a job interview,” another fan said.
“9 years? Brother going directly into retirement that’s why he’s crying,” a fan uttered.
“With a loss in which his starting QB chose to sit the second half,” one X user wrote.
Despite suffering multiple injuries that nearly ended his football dreams—including one that had doctors doubting he’d ever walk normally again—McCormick persevered. Along the way, he scored touchdowns and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
After spending seven years earning two degrees in Oregon, McCormick entered the transfer portal, ultimately landing in Miami for an eighth year. At the time, he never imagined a ninth season was in store.
Cam McCormick's longest career in CFB history
The longest career in college football history began when Cam McCormick committed to the Oregon Ducks in February 2015. He officially signed with the program in December 2016 and enrolled early to kickstart his journey.
McCormick’s career at Oregon, which began in 2016, was marred by injuries that sidelined him for significant portions of four seasons. These setbacks, combined with a redshirt year and the NCAA’s allowance for an extra year due to COVID-19 in 2020, enabled him to petition for an unprecedented ninth year of eligibility.
In January, McCormick announced his return on X, sharing his motto and declaring 2024 as his "last ride."
"The pursuit of excellence has no goal line."
Part of Oregon’s 2016 signing class alongside future NFL star Justin Herbert, McCormick shared the stage nationally with players like Nick Bosa, Ed Oliver, Rashan Gary, and Jalen Hurts—now all established NFL veterans. Ahead of the 2023 season, he was granted an eighth and ninth year of eligibility, ultimately transferring to Miami to reunite with coach Mario Cristobal.
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