'Doing it for the game': Why a football star quit the sport for good

Blake Lawrence was a starting linebacker for one of the best defenses in college football when he decided to quit playing the game.

A hard-hitting junior for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, Lawrence was lauded by coaches and recruiters for his big hits on opposing offensive players.

But the hard hits came at a price. Lawrence suffered three concussions in a year and a half of playing college ball. As he approached his junior season, he promised his family and coaches that if he sustained a fourth, he would hang up his cleats and be done with football for good.

After taking a blow to the head in practice and feeling the familiar symptoms, Lawrence knew that his football career was over. He approached the team's athletic trainer after practice to let him know what had happened.

Lawrence’s decision was not an easy one, but he says he has no regrets about making the choice to quit the sport and protect his health.

He now works as an entrepreneur in sports marketing and social media and travels around the country telling his story to young football players.

See Blake's story and learn more about how scientists are attempting to keep football players safer from concussions on Sunday's TechKnow, 7:30ET/4:30PT.