It’s Heartbreaking: A very loyal Jacksonville Jaguars player has announced his sudden retirement, sending a powerful statement and bidding the team and supporters a heartfelt farewell.
For me, today is challenging, but it’s also a day of introspection and thankfulness. It has been an immense honor to play for Mr. Khan, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the city of Jacksonville. I’ve played for the Jaguars for seven years, and throughout that time, I’ve always strived for success and winning football games while training and competing to the greatest levels of tenacity, passion, and competition. Representing my family, my teammates, and the people of Jacksonville has been an honor.
I acknowledge, with great sadness but without regret, that I can no longer play professional football and maintain the unwavering standards of excellence that the game demands. With heavy heart, I announce my retirement from the NFL. I have a deep love for football, and I am aware that there is only one legitimate way to play the game. My decision to end my football career is based on the knowledge that I can no longer compete at a level that I find acceptable. I made this decision on my own, and even though I know it won’t make me happy, it’s the right thing to do at this point in my life. I loved every second of my NFL career, and I consider it a great blessing that I was able to play for as long as I did. I eagerly await the arrival of the upcoming football season, but this time, my only goal will be to provide for my devoted family and be a wonderful husband and father.
I was reminded of the numerous people to whom I owe humble and heartfelt gratitude when I thought back on my eleven years in the NFL and all that was necessary to get to where I am now.
My devoted wife Elizabeth has carried the brunt of my emotional and physical suffering more than anyone else. She has supported me throughout my whole professional career and has been totally committed to making me the best version of myself both on and off the field. Without her unwavering love and support, I never could have played for as long as I did. She knew that, for at least half of the year, football would take precedence in my life, that I would return home exhausted, all football, and occasionally hurt, and that, even when I was at home, my mind was constantly working, considering plays on defense, offensive formations and philosophies, and third down possibilities. She had every right to complain and express her displeasure with me, but she never did. She has always supported me no matter what, whether I win or lose, succeed or fail, and even though she occasionally wanted to, she never once asked me to give up on the game I love. I will strive to return all that she has given me for the rest of eternity.
I’ll miss football terribly, but I’m excited to spend more time with my girls. Dollhouses and dance class will be new challenges, but I promise to give them my all. Thank you and I love you all so much, my girls.
My parents taught me the value of perseverance and hard work, and they gave me the ideal balance of love and discipline. They are the reason behind everything I have done and who I am. I can only hope that I haven’t let them down because I have always tried to honor them and the values they stand for every time I put on a uniform. Reporters far too often asked me late in previous seasons what possible incentive could I have to play hard knowing we were out of the postseason. As a professional, there are countless reasons to give it your all, but for me, the most significant one was always obvious: my father would be looking on.
