In a surprising move, 26-year-old quarterback Jake Locker has decided to retire from the NFL, according to Fox Sports. The Tennessee Titans drafted Locker way back in 2011 with the eighth overall pick, but his output over the last four seasons has been marred with countless injuries.

In fact, he was only available for 30 of the 64 potential games over the last four seasons — and out of the 30, he only started in 23 games. Again, this output was hardly worth such a high draft pick.

And after being benched for Zach Mettenberger and ending his 2014 season on the injured reserve, Ken Whisenhunt — the second head coach in Locker’s short four-year career — decided to not pick up the athletes’ 2015 option, making him a free agent.

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This ultimately led to him announcing his retirement. “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,” Locker said in the statement. “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.”

Jake Locker ends his career with a completion percentage of 57.5, 4,967 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and 22 interceptions.

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Anthony Falco

Article by Anthony Falco

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