Former Huskies QB Jake Locker retires after four NFL seasons

Jake Locker, once a star quarterback at Washington, retired from the NFL on Tuesday at the age of 26. (AP)

Former Huskies quarterback Jake Locker has retired, calling it a career at age 26 and after just four seasons in the NFL.

“I realize this decision is surprising to many, but I know in my heart that it is the right decision and I look forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing other interests,” Locker said in a statement Tuesday.

Known for his speed and mobility, Locker was the eighth overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft by Tennessee. He spent his entire career with the Titans, playing in 30 total games, but he was plagued by injuries, including multiple shoulder dislocations that ended his 2014 campaign. He started just 25 of a potential 48 games over three seasons as Tennessee’s No. 1 quarterback.

The Titans had declined to pick up a fifth-year option for over $14 million for Locker next season earlier this offseason.

Locker, who grew up in Ferndale, started 40 games over four years at the University of Washington, winning the Pac-10 Freshman of the Year award in 2007 and taking honorable mention All-American honors as a senior in 2010.

“Football has always played a pivotal role in my life and I love the game, but I no longer have the burning desire necessary to play the game for a living,” he said. “To continue to do so would be unfair to the next organization with whom I would eventually sign.”