Michigan quarterback Jack Tuttle calls it a career.
Tuttle announced on social media Monday night that he will retire from the sport midseason for medical reasons. The announcement came amid a concussion, which apparently kept Tuttle out of the Wolverines’ 24-17 win over Michigan State last weekend.
It’s unclear when he suffered that injury, but Tuttle said it was the fifth of his career.
“Unfortunately, the recent experience of enduring my fifth concussion revealed to me the painful truth: that I need to start prioritizing my health,” Tuttle wrote, in part. “Throughout my college career, I have battled numerous injuries that culminated in this difficult decision to stop playing the game I love.”
Tuttle returned to Michigan for a seventh season of eligibility this fall. He started at Indiana and transferred to back up JJ McCarthy last season during their national championship run.
He was expected to be the favorite to start this season for the Wolverines, but suffered a right elbow injury late last year and was not fully recovered at the start of this fall.
Tuttle made his first start against Illinois on October 19, although he was just 20-for-32 and threw one interception in that 21-7 loss. He also stepped in to replace Alex Orji in their loss to Washington the week before, after Orji struggled early in that contest.
Tuttle, however, did not play against the Spartans on Saturday. Instead, Davis Warren took the lead and led them to victory. Tuttle was ruled out for that game early, but no reason was given. Warren was Michigan’s third starting quarterback this season.
In total, Tuttle threw seven touchdowns, eight interceptions and completed just 60% of his passes in 23 games over six career seasons.
“Although closing this chapter is regrettable, my passion for football will always be a part of me,” he wrote. “I am committed to finding a different role in the game and plan to play a coaching role.”
Michigan will host No. 1 Oregon next Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS). The Wolverines currently have a 5-3 record, although they have to face No. 13 Indiana and No. 4 Ohio State on the road during their final four games of the season.