Jake Locker announces retirement

Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker announced his retirement today.

"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 said in a statement.

Jake Locker announced his retirement following four seasons of injuries and inconsistencies in Tennessee.

Locker, 26, was the eighth overall pick in the 2011 draft and the Titans looked for the hard-working Washington quarterback to be a long-term answer for them at quarterback.

But injuries and inconsistencies prevented that from happening.

The Titans went with veteran Matt Hasselbeck in Locker's rookie year. After Locker took over as the starter in 2012, a variety of injuries meant he started just 25 of a possible 48 games over the next three seasons.

A very fast quarterback, Locker's been at his best when he's been on the move. But Ken Whisenhunt, who took over as Titans coach in 2014, prefers a pocket passer. Rookie Zack Mettenberger took over the starting role in Tennessee last season.

In the spring of 2014, the Titans declined to exercise a fifth-year option for over $14 million for Locker in 2015.

"Football has always played a pivotal role in my life and I love the game," Locker said, "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." ESPN