Jake Locker is Retiring From the NFL at Age 26

Jake Locker is retiring from the NFL, according to Mike Garafolo. He is only 26 years old, having been in the league for four years.

Here is Locker’s statement:

"“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.”"

Locker is an interesting case. While he was inconsistent and came into the league as a project when taken in the first round by the Titans, he has been good enough when healthy to stick around the league and be a preferred backup/guy who has a chance to start for awhile, and make several million a year. He appears to be passing up the proverbial opportunity to hold a clipboard.

[UPDATE: The Angels still hold his rights in MLB until August of this year, if those future interests include going to baseball instead.]