Feb. 17--Notre Dame junior offensive lineman Steve Elmer announced Tuesday morning he will forgo his final season of college eligibility and turn pro.
But he's not doing it to pursue a career in football.
Elmer, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound guard, instead said he will graduate in May and "pursue a career doing something in which I have great interest, and at a great opportunity to boot."
Elmer completed a congressional internship in Washington, D.C., last summer.
He said in a statement on Notre Dame's website that his professional career will continue in D.C.
Elmer, who is from Midland, Mich., started every game the last two seasons for the Irish. He wrote that his decision to leave South Bend, Ind., brings with it no negativity and called his decision to attend Notre Dame "the best decision I have ever made."
"The question that inevitably comes up is: Why don't you just wait till next year?" Elmer wrote. "My answer is pretty simple: The excitement I feel about the professional opportunity ... has helped me realize that I'm ready to be done with football.
"I've been playing this game for many years and, quite honestly, my heart is no longer in it."
Elmer's departure, along with Ronnie Stanley and Nick Martin being gone, leaves tackle Mike McGlinchey and Quentin Martin as the offensive line's only returning starters.
Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly expressed support for Elmer's decision in a statement Tuesday.
"This is an incredible professional opportunity for Steve," Kelly said in a statement. "We as a coaching staff talk about how attending Notre Dame isn't a four-year decision, rather it's a 40-year investment in your life."
pskrbina@tribpub.com
