J.J. Raffelson to Forgo His Senior Year with Leatherneck Football

Middle linebacker ends his three-year playing career with 227 tackles

J.J. Raffelson makes the tackle on Heisman Trophy runner-up Melvin Gordon III of Wisconsin.

MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois middle linebacker J.J. Raffelson has decided to forgo his senior year of eligibility and leave the Western Illinois Football team due to injuries.

Raffelson started in all nine of his games played last year before undergoing season-ending elbow surgery. He still finished fourth on the team with 63 tackles, averaging 7.0 per game.

Raffelson, who redshirted his first year at WIU, was an Honorable Mention All-Missouri Valley Football Conference performer in 2012 and finished 15th in the voting for the Jerry Rice Award (top freshman in the country). Raffelson's 105 total tackles made him the first Leatherneck freshman to lead the team in tackles.

He was a preseason All-MVFC selection going into the 2013 season, but wound up missing half the year due to injuries. During his career, Raffelson concluded with 227 tackles and tallied 10.5 tackles for a loss and four pass break-ups. He started in all 26 appearances.

"I feel for him having to make this decision," said head coach Bob Nielson. "We were blessed to have J.J. as part of our program, and the program benefitted from the impact he made. We wish him the best as he moves forward on this new phase of his life."

Raffelson is finishing his internship requirements and is scheduled to graduate next month with a bachelor's degree in Law Enforcement Justice Administration. He has already been accepted to the Spring Valley police department. Raffelson and his fiancée Heather Smith (former Leatherneck volleyball standout) are planning on getting married this year.

"Through all the medical hardships I have faced in my football career, being a part of the Leatherneck family was one of the best experiences of my life. Although the time has come to say goodbye to the game and team I love, there is not one part of my career I regret or would change. I couldn't have asked for a more understanding administrative and coaching staff, but above all, I would like to thank my teammates, best friends, and brothers for their unconditional support," said Raffelson. "That's what this is all about. We had so many great times, but the hard times are what mean the most. After eight elbow operations, I know I could not have done it without them.

I also want to thank my family and my fiancee for standing by my side through all the ups and downs I had. I appreciate all the opportunities that have been given to me, and I thank WIU for letting me share the best memories of my life. I can't wait to see the great successes this program has in the future," said Raffelson.

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Players Mentioned

#43 J.J. Raffelson: LB; 6' 3"; Junior; Lake Zurich

Players Mentioned

#43 J.J. Raffelson
: 6' 3"; Junior; Lake Zurich
: LB

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Players Mentioned

#43 J.J. Raffelson

Players Mentioned

#43 J.J. Raffelson