Former Titans quarterback Jake Locker has decided to retire, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (Twitter links). Locker, he adds, had interest from teams this offseason. Garafolo passes along a statement from Locker (link):
“I am retiring from football after much reflection and discussion with my family. I will always be grateful for having had the opportunity to realize my childhood dream of playing in the NFL and for the lifelong relationships I developed because of that experience. Football has always played a pivotal role in my life and I love the game, but I no longer have the burning desire necessary to play the game for a living; to continue to do so would be unfair to the next organization with whom I would eventually sign. I realize this decision is surprising to many, but I know in my heart that it is the right decision and I look forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing other interests,” the statement read.
The former first-round pick has shown some flashes of talent throughout his brief career, and the 26-year-old had interest from teams, including the Eagles. The Titans, meanwhile, were not interested in a reunion. The former Tennessee playcaller never played more than 11 games in a season for Tennessee. In 2014, he was placed on IR in mid-December after suffering a shoulder injury.