When son decided to walk away from the game, my husband was devastated. I had to remind him that he needed to be supportive of his decision. We encouraged him to go back to finish his degree then decide what would be the next step.
Little did he or we realize that this would be the beginning of a new career in baseball.
You are not the only parent here who has had the same experience. And FWIW, they all survived!
The importance IMO is finishing what your son started, not necessarily playing a sport but earning a degree.
Don't let your son look back later on and regret walking away from a meaningful education.
JMO