Of course there is football. Then again there are those things you mentioned including new friends, snowboarding, etc. And he's still attending a respectful university in a gorgeous part of the country. They won't kick him out because of an "injury". And finally, there is a higher education platform. One that will be a bit less complicated w/o having to worry about practices, games, blah blah blah. If he's majoring in an engineering program he will be dealing with advanced physics, chemistry, higher levels of calculus, and lots of stuff to keep him busy. This could all be a blessing. Like I say-two ways to see things.
BTW: you don't mention his parents. How are they handling this news? If I'm overstepping here please let me know by pm.