Sports

Returning Georgia Football Starter ‘Retires’ A Week Before Kickoff To Get A Puppy

by

iStockphoto / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Xzavier McLeod retired from football to get a puppy.


Xzavier McLeod is no longer a member of the Georgia football team. The former four-star defensive lineman “retired” in order to get a puppy and “settle down.”

McLeod posted an update on TikTok over the weekend to officially announce his decision. He will not suit up for the Bulldogs this Saturday in Athens.

The announcement came as a shock to fans, who’d expected to see the lineman contribute in the fall. The timing of the decision has created speculation as to his position on the depth chart.

Who is Xzavier McLeod?

The Camden, South Carolina native was a four-star talent and Top 125 player in the 2023 recruiting cycle. He committed to the hometown Gamecocks over Georgia and Michigan but was unable to stick in Columbia.

McLeod was dismissed two months into his freshman year. He’d played in four games.

“I would say that there is an expectation level of what it means to be a football player at the University of South Carolina,” said Shane Beamer of his departure. “Met with Xzavier yesterday and visited with him, made the decision to dismiss him from the football team but that is what was best for our program…

“I have a responsibility to 118 other football players on the team and coaches and staff and always have to do what is best for our program. That is kind of what this situation is. Wish him well. He is a really good player. Want to help him in any way I can going forward. Just, it won’t be here at Carolina.”

Beamer did not go into specifics after dismissing the defender, who later transferred to Georgia.

With the Bulldogs, he appeared in 25 games across two seasons, including six starts last year. The expectation was that he’d be heavily featured in the defensive tackle rotation in 2026. That will not be the case.

Xzavier McLeod ‘retired’ from football to get a puppy.

@1_zayyy

My baby boy Remington’s new home #germanshorthairpointer #gsppuppy #newhome

♬ original sound – Xzavier McLeod

“I am done with football, I’m retired,” he said in a TikTok post. “I have more time to give [sic] a dog, which is what I want to do.”

McLeod opened up on having to give away his last dog due to time constraints tied to football responsibilities. He also noted that this was a personal decision that had nothing to do with the coaching staff.

“Had some issues, not with coaching, just thought it was time to move away from college football,” he wrote in the comments section of his social media video. He says that “life’s great,” he’s simply ready to “settle down.”

TikTok / Xzavier McLeod

Xzavier McLeod retired from college football.


His shocking decision led to speculation of his position on the depth chart, particularly with the announcement coming so close to kickoff.

For what it’s worth, UGA Wire slated him as the No. 2 nose tackle upon entering fall camp. No official depth chart has been released for Week 1, though McLeod’s name will not be listed when it drops.

He is no longer on the online roster.

Kirby Smart commented on the defensive line rotation earlier this week, noting the position room’s work ethic. McLeod was not mentioned.

Xzavier McLeod is stepping away from football to focus on his personal life and new puppy.