In an unexpected move, Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Jake Witt announced his retirement from the NFL.
The Colts selected Witt, a second-year offensive tackle, in the seventh round (No. 236 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The news was made on his Facebook page and first reported by Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star.
According to his Facebook post, the decision was made “due to personal reasons and consideration for my long-term health.”
Witt was part of the Colts’ roster cuts as the team reduced its roster to 53 players before Tuesday’s deadline. Witt also stated that he cleared waivers and received “numerous offers to join practice squads.”
Despite being seen as a practice squad candidate, Witt has decided to pursue a profession early on. The Colts felt he could become a valuable offensive line depth player.
Witt blew the Colts away during his pre-draft workout in 2023, prompting them to use their final pick in the draft on him. Unfortunately, he spent the entire rookie season on the Reserve/Injured list due to a hip issue.
The Colts were especially interested in Witt’s potential due to his athletic profile. Witt was 6-foot-7 and weighed 302 pounds, with arms that measured 33.5 inches. He ran a 4.89 in the 40-yard dash, with a 1.71 10-yard split, 37-inch vertical, and 10-foot-3-inch broad jump.
Witt played basketball for Michigan Tech in 2018. He subsequently took a year break from sports to join the Northern Michigan football team shortly before the epidemic struck in 2020.
Though he started as a tight end, he changed to right tackle near the end of the season. Witt went on to start all 11 games at left tackle for Northern Michigan in 2022.
