Oklahoma State's Dylan Harding retires from football after spinal stenosis diagnosis

Oklahoma State safety Dylan Harding announced Friday that he is retiring from football after being diagnosed with spinal stenosis.

Harding, a junior, announced the news on Twitter late Friday night.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder wrote: "For everyone that hasn't seen or heard, I got diagnosed with spinal stenosis that's causing me to leave the game I've played since 2nd grade. I'll never forget the young days of watching Bedlam games with my pops and dreaming of being apart of something that special. Thankfully I got that opportunity and I'll never forget it. I just want to say thanks to all of my family, friends and people who have followed this dream of mine as it turned into a reality. I want to specifically say thank you to all of the coaches and my dad who have spent countless hours with me trying to better me as a person and a football player. I got to experience something I'll never forget. It's unfortunate I never got started to have the career many wish to have, but I gained some of my best friends through this all. I'll forever be grateful. #GoPokes"

Harding recorded eight tackles in 22 games during two seasons for the Cowboys.