Illinois State football head coach Brock Spack announced Sunday that the Redbirds will opt out of their remaining four 2021 spring football games. The decision was made to protect the health and safety of the players and ensure their readiness for the upcoming 2021 fall 11-game slate.

In a statement released Sunday afternoon, Spack indicated he has wrestled with this decision for a couple weeks now, but felt like it's a necessary move to protect player's health and safety and their ability to be ready come this fall.

He pointed to injuries in key positions, especially defensive line where more injuries in their win Saturday resulted in more setbacks. 

The Redbirds most recently picked up a 26-18 win over in-state foe Western Illinois at Hancock Stadium on Saturday in their fourth game of the spring season. 

The Redbirds are set to host Butler on Saturday, September 4 this fall.