The perfect teammate has decided it is time to focus on himself and his family. Jack Doyle is retiring after nine seasons in a Colts uniform. An Indianapolis product who went undrafted out of Western Kentucky and fought his way onto the roster, Doyle became a quintessential Colt, an emblem of perseverance, hard work and excellence who remained a critical part of the roster all the way to the end. Two-time Pro Bowl tight end Jack Doyle announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday, ending a nine-year career with the Indianapolis Colts.
Doyle finishes his career as one of the most successful tight ends in Colts history. He was twice selected to the Pro Bowl (in 2016 and 2018) and set numerous team records for tight ends, including receptions (311), receiving yards (3,089) and touchdowns (30).
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have played in the NFL and for all of the amazing people I have met along the way,” Doyle said in a statement. “Thank you to my family, friends and fans for their support. It has been an honor to represent the Colts and play in Indianapolis.”
Doyle, 30, was drafted by the Colts in the fifth round of the 2013 draft and went on to become one of the most productive tight ends in franchise history. He ranks second in team history with 270 receptions and third with 3,145 receiving yards. Doyle also ranks second in team history with 20 touchdown receptions.
“Jack Doyle is the epitome of a Colt,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said. “He was an undrafted free agent who worked his way up to being one of the top tight ends in the NFL. He always played with a chip on his shoulder and did whatever it took to help our team win. We are grateful for everything he has done for the Colts and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”
Doyle’s retirement comes as a surprise, as he had recently signed a three-year, $21 million contract extension with the Colts in March. However, Doyle missed most of last season with a hip injury and may have decided that it was time to move on.
“After a lot of thought and prayer, I have decided to retire from the NFL,” Doyle said. “I have been blessed to play the game I love for nine years, but my body is telling me it is time to move on to the next chapter of my life.”
Doyle will leave the NFL as one of the most accomplished tight ends in Colts history. He will be remembered for his toughness, his work ethic, and his clutch play in big moments. Doyle is the latest player to retire from the Colts this offseason, following Andrew Luck, Adam Vinatieri, Clayton Geathers and Denico Autry. The team is now left with just six players from its 2012 playoff team. Doyle finishes his career with 310 receptions for 3,269 yards and 23 touchdowns. He will be remembered as one of the most successful players in Colts history.
