In his message to the BBN Rodriguez said:
"Although I'm going to sit out the bowl game to focus on my health and prepare for my lifelong dream of playing in the NFL, I'll be in the music city to support."
Rodriguez recorded 20 100-yard rushing games, setting a new record for the university. His 3,644 career yards rank third on Kentucky’s all-time list behind Benny Snell (3,873) and Sonny Collins (3,835). He would have needed 230 yards to beat Snell's record. His 32 career rushing touchdowns rank second behind Snell’s 48.