One of the Colts’ young, developmental players was waived on Tuesday and has decided to retire.
Offensive tackle Jake Witt, a seventh-round draft pick by Indianapolis in 2023, announced his retirement on Facebook despite receiving an offer from the Colts and a few other clubs to join the practice squad.
“After a great deal of thought and consideration, I’ve decided, due to personal reasons and consideration for my long-term health, to move past football and into the next chapter of my life,” Witt informed the crowd.
Witt’s first season in Indianapolis was cut short by a season-ending hip injury, which he worked hard to overcome in order to contend for a roster position this season.
However, he had to compete with two other mid-round draft picks, 2023 fourth-rounder Blake Freeland and 2024 third-rounder Matt Goncalves, for a position on the 53-man roster. Witt received opportunities with the second team at left tackle early in training camp, but those opportunities faded as the preseason continued.
Indianapolis kept Goncalves and Freeland on the 53-man roster and kept ten offensive linemen in total. Witt was not a member of that organization.
He retired with a lot of thanks to the Indianapolis Colts, praising the coaches, training staff, and teammates for helping him recover from his injuries.
“Those guys are just a few of the people that made the NFL dream for a kid from Bruce Crossing, Michigan so special,” Witt told me. “Thank you to the training staff for getting me back on my feet after my rookie season injury.”
Witt acknowledged his family, friends, and prior coaches from all levels.
“While my NFL career has come to an end, there is no reason to be sad,” Witt told the crowd. “I’m quite glad and grateful for the experiences I’ve had. I usually say that everything happens for a reason. I’m leaving the NFL with a positive attitude. There are bigger things ahead!”