In a quiet yet powerful decision that caught many in the East Carolina football community by surprise, junior offensive lineman Bryce Weaver has announced that he will be stepping away from the Pirates football program, citing a deeply personal calling away from the game.
Weaver, a 6’4″, 327-pound lineman from Greenville’s own D.H. Conley High School, has been with the ECU program since 2023 and was poised to compete for a key role on the offensive front this season. But on Monday morning, he shared that his path is taking a different turn—one not defined by cleats and shoulder pads, but by purpose and family.
“This wasn’t a decision I made overnight,” Weaver said in a statement to local media. “I’ve been blessed to wear the purple and gold, to train and grow with my brothers here. But there are responsibilities and goals outside of football that I can’t keep putting on hold.”
Though he declined to go into full detail, Weaver indicated that his decision was influenced by recent developments in his personal life, including the declining health of a family member and a growing interest in pursuing work in community health and mentorship.
“It’s easy to get tunnel vision in this sport—especially when you love it like I do. But sometimes life gives you a different kind of playbook,” he added.
Head Coach Mike Houston expressed his support, saying, “Bryce is one of the most grounded and resilient young men I’ve had the pleasure to coach. We fully support his decision and will always consider him part of this program.”
Though Weaver didn’t see game action during his time at ECU, his presence in the locker room and dedication in practice did not go unnoticed by teammates. Senior lineman Caleb Thomas tweeted: “Big 7️⃣1 was the glue guy in that OL room. Bryce, wherever you go—you lead, we follow. #PirateForLife.”
With spring workouts intensifying and roster spots tightening, Weaver’s departure leaves a notable gap in the team’s depth, but the decision underscores a recurring theme in college football: the athletes are more than just players—they are people, with lives and legacies unfolding far beyond the field.
