Jake Locker retires

Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker has retired from football instead of pursuing a free agent deal.

"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." Locker was drafted eighth overall out of Washington in 2011. He was benched in October. Locker missed 14 of his first 32 potential starts due to injuries.

The Titans declined to pick up his 2015 option.

Locker played in 30 games in his career, starting 23, and he threw for 4,967 yards with 27 touchdowns and 22 interceptions and a career 57.5 completion percentage. The mobile quarterback also averaged 6.8 yards per carry and ran for 644 yards with five touchdowns. Follow me on Twitter: @RavensInsider Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun
Aaron Wilson
Aaron Wilson covers the NFL for National Football Post, his second stint at the Post. He has previously written for Pro Football Talk and FOX Sports-Scout. Entering his 13th year covering the Baltimore Ravens, he's a beat writer for The Baltimore Sun. Wilson has also covered the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.

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