Jack Tuttle of Michigan Football Reveals His Retirement from College Football
In less than a week, yet another starting quarterback has decided to step back from college football due to concussion-related health issues.
On Monday evening, Jack Tuttle, the quarterback for Michigan football, declared his retirement from the game via social media, citing his fifth concussion as the reason. He had previously been ruled out of the Wolverines’ 24-17 win against in-state rivals Michigan State.
Although he is retiring from playing, Tuttle reassured Michigan supporters that he would remain involved with the team. Just last Wednesday, North Carolina State quarterback Grayson McCall also announced his retirement from football.
“I am announcing my retirement from college football today. This has been a tough decision, born from deep reflection and emotional discussions with my family, doctors, and loved ones,” Tuttle shared through his Instagram account. “Thank you to Coach Moore, the staff, and my teammates – I love you all. I will continue to support Team 145 as we get ready for the remaining games this season.
“While I’m saddened to close this chapter, my love for football will always be integral to who I am. I plan to seek a coaching role in the sport moving forward.”
Tuttle’s final game was a start against Illinois on October 19, where Michigan lost 21-7. He completed 20 out of 32 passes for 208 yards and threw one interception while getting sacked five times. In total, he played eight games for Michigan, finishing his career there with 45 of 67 completions for 436 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
At 25 years old, Tuttle played high school football at Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, California, before joining Utah as a highly recruited four-star athlete in the 2018 class. He was ranked as the 167th overall recruit, the 8th best pro-style quarterback, and 25th overall in California, according to 247 Sports Composite Rankings. Notable peers in his recruiting class included Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields.
After sitting out a year at Utah (redshirting), Tuttle transferred to Indiana before the 2019 season. Over four years, he participated in 15 games with the Hoosiers, completing 104 out of 182 passes for 901 yards, with five touchdowns and six interceptions. He served as a backup to Michael Penix Jr. during his time at Indiana.
Following the 2022 season, Tuttle made the move to Michigan, where he was a backup to J.J. McCarthy on last year’s championship team. He received a seventh year of eligibility due to multiple medical redshirts.
This past offseason, Tuttle was rehabilitating from an injury to his ulnar collateral ligament, which hindered his competition for the starting position against Davis Warren and Alex Orji. He eventually secured the starting role in the game against Washington on October 5 after the team’s offense had difficulties.
In reflecting on his decision to retire, Tuttle pointed out the ongoing injuries he faced during his career, including the concussions he experienced.
“This year has proven to be difficult, especially with UCL repair surgery on my throwing arm that hasn’t fully healed, leading to ongoing complications,” Tuttle stated. “Facing my fifth concussion has made me realize that prioritizing my health must come first.
“I’ve dealt with many injuries throughout my college journey, culminating in this tough choice to leave the game I cherish.”