What Does It Mean When Someone Is Redshirted?

A redshirt year is a year in which a player is on scholarship and can practice, but does not play, in exchange for an extra year of eligibility. If a player redshirts — meaning they don't play for one year — they will have five years to compete in four seasons. ... Other players redshirt due to injuries.

Is being redshirted a bad thing?

There's clearly a negative connotation associated with redshirting in college athletics. When the option is brought up, student-athletes often get depressed because they won't contribute right away on the field.

What does getting redshirted mean?

What a "redshirt" season refers to is a year in which a student-athlete does not compete at all against outside competition. During a year in which the student-athlete does not compete, a student can practice with his or her team and receive financial aid.