Former Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Jack Mewhort has retired from football at age 26 after a bevy of knee injuries.
After 4 seasons with the Colts, @jackmewhort is retiring from the @NFL.
We thank Jack for his contributions on and off the field: https://t.co/o1nbT4YSkC pic.twitter.com/IBSAIa4omQ
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 1, 2018
Mewhort played in just 15 games over the past two years
An All-American at Ohio State, Mewhort immediately became a key contributor for the Colts, starting 14 games as a rookie and then all 16 in his second year. But since, he has struggled mightily with knee issues. He played in just 10 games in 2016 and just five last year. He resigned with the Colts for another year this offseason and was even seeing some first-team reps during this training camp before deciding to call it quits.
Mewhort made the following statement, which was released by the Colts:
“I would like to thank the Irsay family and the entire Colts organization for giving me the opportunity to live a childhood dream. The fans and the city of Indianapolis have treated me like one of their own, and I am forever grateful. Wearing the Horseshoe was one of the biggest honors I have ever known, and I will always bleed blue. Go Colts!”
GM Chris Ballard: Mewhort ‘always carried a team-first mentality’
Colts GM Chris Ballard also released a statement on Mewhort’s retirement:
“He fought through injuries and played through pain. Jack is a selfless player who always carried a team-first mentality. He is revered among his coaches, teammates and staff and his leadership will be missed in the locker room. We’re appreciative of Jack’s dedication to the Colts and we wish him the best moving forward.”
The team placed Mewhort on the Reserve/Retired List on Wednesday afternoon.
Mewhort is the third recent retirement from a young player
Mewhort joins former Seahawks linebacker Joshua Perry and former Dolphins linebacker Mike McCray as recent retirees who decided to end their playing career for reasons other than age.
Perry, 24, retired on July 30 after sustaining a concussion, the sixth documented one of his career. He and Mewhort played on some of the same teams at Ohio State. Perry’s retirement came five days after McCray, 23, retired. McCray said he was no longer happy playing the game.
More from Yahoo Sports:
• Report: Tristan Thompson reportedly attacked DraymondGreen at party
• MLB’s trade deadline winners and losers
• Terez Paylor: QB Alex Smith landed in Washington at perfect time
• Preseason NFL power rankings: Vikings secure Yahoo Sports’ No. 1 spot
