Army running back Briggs Bartosh has stepped away from playing college football due to a career-ending injury.
As Bartosh stood on the Michie Stadium where he’s practiced and competed on Saturday, the sophomore has come to terms knowing he will never take the field again for the Black Knights because of stingers caused by a neck injury.
“As funny as it sounds, I’m blessed,” said Bartosh, who rushed for 246 yards and a touchdown in 2025. “I’m blessed to even make it here, have this opportunity to play Division I football with my brother (Braden, senior offensive lineman).”
“I have no problems doing anything. I just can’t get hit by 300-pounders anymore. If I get put in an awkward spot, I’m more of higher risk for more permanent damage.”
Bartosh is staying with the team, shifting his focus as a student assistant on Army’s strength and conditioning staff. He wants to mentor Army’s younger running backs, including freshman B-back Demani Stewart. Stewart is lifting in Army’s offensive line group just as Bartosh has.
“Unfortunately, things happen,” Bartosh said. “I would have wished to continue to play but I can’t. Now, I have to step into a new role and I’m going to take my opportunities when they come and do the most that I can with what I’m given.”
Bartosh produced some breakout moments his sophomore season, including a 75-yard touchdown run in an overtime loss to North Texas at Michie Stadium. He rushed for 74 yards, the most by an Army running back, in a 20-17 win at Air Force. But, Bartosh’s neck acted up against UAB, limiting him to two carries.
“It was affecting me all year,” Bartosh said. “I started feeling it in my every day life the week leading up to Air Force.”
One of Bartosh’s lasting memories was leaving the field with his brother after Army’s upset win at Kansas State in the second game of the season. Bartosh was sitting with the Corps of Cadets in Army’s home opener against Tarleton State and was moved to travel squad for Kansas State, a team that had recruited him out of Park Hill South (Mo.) High School. Air Force, at one time in recruiting, topped Bartosh’s college list. But, Bartosh found a home at West Point. The thought of leaving Army after his injury news hasn’t crossed Bartosh’s mind because of the bonds he’s built at the academy.
“The reason why I’m staying here is because of the people I have met and the brotherhood around me,” Bartosh said. “These guys have helped support me from day one. They still make me feel important even though I’m not playing. They do everything they can to thank me. It means more to me than they will ever know.”
