Doctors Remove Husky Quarterback's Brain Tumor, Football Career Over
Husky backup quarterback Johnny DuRocher had a brain tumor removed Nov. 30 and will no longer be able to play football. The sophomore from Graham was flattened by a blocker during the Huskies' loss to Stanford Nov. 11 and left the game with a severe concussion. A subsequent MRI revealed a small tumor in his cerebellum, near the back of his skull. UW doctors said that the tumor is benign and removed it on Nov. 30. Harborview Neurosurgeon Richard Ellenbogen said the procedure "went perfectly." While his football career is over, DuRocher hopes to play baseball for the Huskies in the spring.
"When you have a player that has a concussion there is a great deal of concern," said Coach Tyrone Willingham. "Then, as we worked through these events, you realize the concussion may have been the best thing to ever happen at this particular time. That's one of the sad things you have to say-but it brings a great sense of joy that now you may have stopped or prevented a problem."
Published by UW Alumni Association
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Husky backup quarterback Johnny DuRocher had a brain tumor removed Nov. 30 and will no longer be able to play football. The sophomore from Graham was flattened by a blocker during the Huskies' loss to Stanford Nov. 11 and left the game with a severe concussion. A subsequent MRI revealed a small tumor in his cerebellum, near the back of his skull. UW doctors said that the tumor is benign and removed it on Nov. 30. Harborview Neurosurgeon Richard Ellenbogen said the procedure "went perfectly." While his football career is over, DuRocher hopes to play baseball for the Huskies in the spring.