Michigan QB Jack Tuttle announces retirement from college football after latest injury

The Michigan football team has had three different starting quarterbacks this season, as Davis Warren, Alex Orji and Jack Tuttle have all taken turns at the helm of the Wolverines’ offense. But after winning the job to open the season, Warren re-emerged as the starter last week, completing 13 of 19 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown to help Michigan beat Michigan State, 24-17 on Saturday.

Evidently, the job is Warren’s for the rest of the season, and not only because of the redshirt junior’s play. Monday night, Tuttle announced his retirement as a football player. The seventh-year senior also had stints at Utah and Indiana, and has famously backed up Tyler Huntley, Michael Penix Jr. and JJ McCarthy. He shared the news, along with some details on his UCL injury that sidelined him in the spring, summer and much of the fall, in a social media post. He also revealed that he recently endured a fifth concussion in his career, likely in Michigan’s 21-7 loss at Illinois.

“Today, I am announcing my retirement from college football,” wrote Tuttle, who was listed as OUT before Michigan’s matchup with the Spartans. “This decision, though difficult, comes after deep reflecting and heartfelt conversations with my family, doctors, and loved ones.

“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. And unfortunately, the recent experience of enduring my fifth concussion has brought forth the painful truth: that I need to start prioritizing my health. I’ve battled numerous injuries, culminating in this difficult choice to step away from playing the game that I love.”

Tuttle, who played in two games this season at Washington and at Illinois, completed 30 of 50 passes for 306 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Last year, he completed 15 of 17 passes for 130 yards and one touchdown, serving as JJ McCarthy’s backup. In his career, Tuttle, now 25, recorded 1,337 yards, seven touchdowns and eight interceptions over the course of 23 games in six seasons.

“College football has given me a bunch of memories in my life with amazing people, and it has shaped my character,” Tuttle said. “I am immeasurably thankful for every chance I’ve had to step onto the field, and for the unwavering support of those who have stood by me through the triumphs and tribulations. 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 this 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.”

Though there did not appear to be much debate after Warren’s win over the Spartans, Tuttle’s retirement does seem to further the notion that Warren will be the Wolverines’ starter the rest of the way. Michigan is currently 5-3, and has remaining games against No. 1 Oregon, at No. 13 Indiana, vs. Northwestern and at No. 4 Ohio State.

“Yeah, I think Davis has earned an opportunity to (start the rest of the way),” Moore said Monday. “Obviously played a really good game and won the spot, and we’ll continue to roll how we did last game.”

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