Michigan quarterback Jack Tuttle announces retirement from football

For the second time in less than a week, a starting quarterback has medically retired from college football due to concussions.

On Monday evening, Michigan football quarterback Jack Tuttle announced his retirement from the sport on social media due to his fifth sustained concussion. Tuttle missed the Wolverines‘ 24-17 victory over rival Michigan State after being listed as “out” on Michigan’s availability report.

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Despite retiring from playing the sport, Tuttle assured the Michigan fateful that he would stay with the program. Last Wednesday, North Carolina State quarterback Grayson McCall announced his retirement from the sport.

“Today, I am announcing my retirement from college football. This decision, though difficult, comes after deep reflection and heartfelt conversations with my family, doctors, and loved ones,” Tuttle wrote on his Instagram. “I want to thank Coach Moore, the staff and my teammates – I love all of you guys. I will continue to help Team 145 as we prepare for the rest of the season.

“Though closing this chapter is unfortunate, my passion for football will always be a part of me. I am committed to finding a different role in the game and plan to pursue a role in coaching.”

Tuttle’s last appearance on the football field was a start against Illinois on Oct. 19, in a 21-7 loss for Michigan. He completed 20 of 32 passes for 208 yards and an interception against the Fighting Illini, and he was sacked five times. He finished his Michigan career with 45 of 67 passing for 436 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions across eight games.

Tuttle, 25, attended Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, California, before signing with Utah as a four-star prospect in the 2018 recruiting class. He was the No. 167 overall player, No. 8 pro-style quarterback and the No. 25 player in California, according to 247 Sports Composite Rankings. Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields were also in the 2018 recruiting class.

After redshirting in his lone season with the Utes, Tuttle entered the transfer portal and transferred to Indiana ahead of the 2019 season. He appeared in 15 games over four years with the Hoosiers, completing 104 of 182 passes for 901 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions. Tuttle backed up Michael Penix Jr. during his time with Indiana.

Following the 2022 season, Tuttle transferred to Michigan and was a backup to J.J. McCarthy on last year’s national championship team for the Wolverines. After being granted a seventh year of eligibility due to medical redshirts.

Tuttle spent this offseason recovering from an injury to his ulnar collateral ligament, which prevented him from battling with Davis Warren and Alex Orji for the starting position. However, he worked his way to the starting role vs. Washington on Oct. 5 after offensive struggles for the team.

Tuttle pointed to the injuries throughout his career as a major factor in his decision to retire from the sport, also disclosing the concussion he sustained.

“This past year has been challenging, marked by a UCL repair in my throwing arm that I didn’t fully recover from, which has caused ongoing issues,” Tuttle said. “And unfortunately, the recent experience of enduring my fifth concussion has brought forth the painful truth: that I need to start prioritizing my health.

“Throughout my college career, I’ve battled numerous injuries, culminating in this difficult choice to step away from playing the game that I love.”