Jack Tuttle announced his retirement from football after a series of injuries, including five concussions, forced him to prioritize his health. In a social media post, the Michigan quarterback reflected on the challenges he faced during his college career. That included a serious elbow injury that required UCL repair and battling lingering issues. Although he briefly returned to the field this season, Tuttle’s recent concussion highlighted the physical toll football takes on him, forcing him to step away from the game he loves.
— Jack Tuttle (@jacktuttle14) October 29, 2024
Tuttle has faced adversity and change throughout his college football career. The former four-star player, who originally signed with Utah out of high school, came to Salt Lake City and did not play behind Jason Shelley in 2018. Tuttle transferred to Indiana, where he played four seasons before joining Michigan in 2023.
He made his first appearance for the Wolverines in Week 6 against Washington and started against Illinois, completing 20 of 32 passes for 208 yards, but also threw an interception in a 21-7 loss. Although Tuttle’s performance showed promise, his health concerns prevented him from further ramping up these efforts. Last week, Michigan returned Week 1 starter Davis Warren for a rivalry game against Michigan State, which ended with a 24-17 victory.
Tuttle showed resilience and dedication throughout his career, passing for 1,337 yards and seven touchdowns. Tuttle has now announced his desire to step away from his playing career and pursue a coaching role, a decision that will allow him to maintain his connection to the sport while shifting his focus to coaching and mentoring young players.
Utah’s quarterback problem won’t be solved anytime soon.
With Tuttle’s retirement, Michigan will likely keep Warren as its starting quarterback, but Alex Orge, who was the backup to NFL first-round pick JJ McCarthy last season, will also remain with the program. While Tuttle’s departure is a loss for the Wolverines, his journey highlights the importance of prioritizing long-term health in a physically demanding sport.
