Adam Breneman has decided to end his football career.

The tight end will leave the team due to a chronic knee injury. He recorded 15 catches for 186 yards and three touchdowns in his 11-game career.

“I want to thank Coach [Bill] O’Brien, Coach [James] Franklin, my teammates and the Penn State fans for the great memories over the last three years,” Breneman said in a statement. “I have truly treasured my time as a Nittany Lion and I am confident that the Penn State experience has prepared me for the next phase of my life.”

Breneman graduated in the fall with a business management degree and a 3.25 GPA. After graduating in just three years, he wants to explore a career in politics or business.

“I know that it was a difficult for Adam to step away from the game, but he felt it was the right time,” Head Coach James Franklin said. “We are so proud of his work in the classroom, having earned his degree in three years. Adam is a special young man that has left his imprint on not only the Penn State football program, but the Penn State community at large. He has been a difference maker at a very young age and has a bright future ahead of him.”

While on the team, he served as the Uplifting Athletes vice president. He also started “Catch the Cure for ALS” in high school, where he helped raise more than $200,000 for Project ALS.

But Breneman will be remembered in Nittany Lion lore for staying committed to Penn State. He, along with Christian Hackenberg, were part of the 2012 recruiting class that stuck with the program after the Jerry Sandusky scandal broke. He and Hackenberg were Bill O’Brien’s highest-ranked recruits.

We wish Adam the best of luck in his future endeavors. Thanks for everything, Adam.