Cory Morrissey steps away from football

Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily

Senior defensive end Cory Morrissey takes down a University of Iowa player during the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series game against Iowa on Sept. 13 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The Cyclones defeated the Hawkeyes 20-17.

Luke Manderfeld

Almost a week after former ISU defensive end Cory Morrissey took to his Twitter page to announce his new NFL team, the Baltimore Ravens, he took to his same Twitter page to say he will not continue his football career any longer. 

“This decision came at a time when I’ve truly realized that I’ve lost the passion to play the game,” he said in the tweet. “I have been hiding behind a mask comprised of what people think of me what others want me to do but not what I truly want for myself.”

Morrissey tweeted on May 2 that he was “officially a Baltimore Raven,” and said he was “wheels up” for Baltimore on May 7.

“Being burnt out and not finding any excitement for the opportunity I’ve had has made a huge inner battle with myself where my anxiety has sky rocketed,” he continued. “This life should never be fueled by money, and I am thankful for the opportunity.” 

The Ames, Iowa, native led all ISU lineman with 51 tackles and was one of four players to start all 12 games in 2014 for the Cyclones. His team-leading six sacks rank 10th in ISU football history.