“This football journey was exactly what I needed at this time in my life,” Parris said on Instagram. “It was the change of pace I needed that gave me something new to train and strive toward. I knew this journey was going to be an uphill battle from the start, but it was a challenge I am glad I pursued. I am so grateful for all the players I have met and coaches who that have supported me. It was an amazing chapter of life of growth, healing, and reflection that I will look back on fondly. I will bring these lessons into the next phases of my life. “With this, I am excited to say that I will be returning to the sport I love to strive for the 2028 LA Olympics. Now with no doubt in my mind I know where I belong. I have rejuvenated my desire to be the best in the world. I am more driven and hungrier than ever to reach my goals. I am returning to Cliff Keen Wrestling Club in Michigan to train to achieve these goals. Thank you God for the challenges and blessings in my life.” Parris went 120-18 during his collegiate career, finishing in the Blood Round as a freshman at heavyweight. The following season, Parris was 27-1, only losing to Gable Steveson in the 2020 Big Ten finals. Steveson went on to win a Gold Medal at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics and recently finished his college career this March. Parris followed it up with a 2021 runner-up finish to Steveson in the NCAA finals, before taking 5th in 2022. For his final season, Parris went an astounding 33-0, rolling his way to an NCAA title to cap his career at Michigan. On the international scene, Parris won a Bronze Medal at the 2023 World Championships at 125 KG, as well as a Gold Medal at the 2024 Pan American Championships. Last year, Parris had a bye into the best-of-three finals during the Olympic Trials. He defeated Hayden Zillmer 7-0 and 7-0 in two matches. However, Parris lost his first match of last year’s Olympics 10-5 to Mönkhtöriin Lkhagvagerel (Mongolia). Since he was not pulled back into repechage, Parris’ Olympic dreams ended. But with a renewed focus on wrestling, he’ll be in contention for the 2028 spot in LA.