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Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2008 > July > 31 > Entry
Colts Pitcock’s decision to retire a shocker
Former Ohio State defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock, who was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third-round of the 2007 draft, is reportedly calling it quits after making the decision to retire from the NFL in only his second year.
The news of Pitcock’s retirement came as a complete shocker to me since I talked to the player exclusively during Roy Hall’s Football Skills Camp on July 19 in Columbus. Pitcock was one of the camp facilitators and I was invited by organizers to cover the event. Pitcock was a teammate of Hall’s at Ohio State and now with Colts.
Pitcock and I had a lengthy conversation about the upcoming season and his expectations for the year. He gave no inkling of being ready to hang up his cleats. In fact, it was the complete opposite. Pitcock was very enthusiastic when talking about his expanded role on the team’s defense and was looking forward to attending training camp. Our discussion covered a lot of ground. We even talked about the playing status of his younger brother who is on the football roster at Ball State University. Aside from all the chatter, Pitcock did a fantastic job teaching the kids and seem to be enjoying himself.
So what changed between now and then? One’s guess is as good as mine.
However, there are some speculations that there may have been a slight disagreement within the organization concerning Pitcock’s playing weight. Pitcock came into league at 6-2, 300-pounds when the Colts drafted him a year ago and is currently hovering around 285-pounds. The team envisioned him playing the three-technique defensive tackle position a la Warren Sapp (6-2, 300) in his heydays with Tampa Bay.
It was stated to me by someone with knowledge of the situation that the coaching staff didn’t have a problem with the player’s decline in weight, but certain members within the organization might have.
Again, this is complete speculation as reason for the abrupt retirement. I’m sure it runs a lot deeper than a few fat grams. If that is indeed the case, that’s nothing a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken can’t fix.
Despite Pitcock’s decision to leave the game, Colts head coach Tony Dungy isn’t quite ready to close the door on a possible return to the team.
“Right now, Quinn is really thinking that he’s not going to play,” Dungy said. “We’re certainly going to leave the door open for him. I have been aware of some people who have changed their minds, so we’re not going to shut the door, but right now that’s where he’s sitting. He feels like it’s not something he wants to do and we told him just take your time and if you determine you want to come back, Quinn can be a good player for us. But right now we’re thinking that is not going to be the case.”
The decision to walk away from the game may prove costly for Pitcock. He was in the second year of a three-year, $1.267 million contract that included a $436,500 signing bonus. According to reports, President Bill Polian said the team probably will attempt to recoup two-thirds of the signing bonus ($291,000).
I don’t know what to make of this and totally flummoxed by the announcement.
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Comments
By Ian Good
July 31, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Player don’t retire from the game because of disagreements with management. They hold out, don’t show up, or otherwise make it known that they aren’t happy. Early retirements like this usually come from personal or family issues, health problems, or mental problems. Or heck, he may have just decided he’d rather do something else. Regardless, he was a great player and role model during his brief NFL career and his college career at Ohio State. Best wishes to him and his family.
By Dave
July 31, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Quinn, even in high school had said he never watches football, the only reason he played was because it was a free ticket to an education. I suppose there aren’t that many 6’2 300lb soccer players out there, so I guess his options were limited. I don’t begrudge him for retiring, in fact, if given the opportunity to retire after working one year a millionaire…I would be out of there in a heartbeat.
By Regina
July 31, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
I agree he was an excellent role model and player I hope he continues to work in the field. If you don’t love what you do it doesn’t matter how much money is on the table. I wish him all the best, and will miss watching him from the cheap seats.
By Pete
July 31, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Probably one of the smartest decisions that he’ll ever make in his life. Still has his health, isn’t becoming one of these freakin’ prima-donna’s, etc. Good for him.
By A Piqua/OSU fan
July 31, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
I wish him the best of luck in whatever he decides to pursue. You have brought many smiles to the Buckeye area.
By Bc
July 31, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
Good luck !! Thanks for all the great football games. I enjoyed watching him and all his teammates. *I hope the business part of football works out as well.
By Charles
July 31, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
Hell… why not retire and risk your body… he’s got plenty of money from the NFL… You know what? Come to think of it, He probably could’ve retired from OSU when he graduated.. I’m sure they paid him plenty of $$$ to play there as well…
By null
August 1, 2008 4:58 AM | Link to this
the money he made is pro gone and they want some back…..hope his hustle hand is tight
By Mayhem
August 1, 2008 6:27 AM | Link to this
Greatest-player-ever
By ColtsFanInSC
August 1, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
I was really bummed when learning of QP’s decision to hang it up. I was looking forward to following his career as a Colt as I felt he had potential to be a great DT. I’m hoping he’s just going through a short-lived period of maturation that ends with him changing course, rejoining the Horse. Whatever the case, I wish him the best….
By jimi
August 1, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
i’m with dave. it’s never even been close to a secret that he wasn’t a football fan. list me among those who are unsurprised.
By vam
August 4, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
He is quitting because at 24 years of age and one season, his body is suffering from nagging injuries. Don’t you football fans read? Both Offensive and defensive linemen have the toughest jobs in the league. They want them playing no matter what condition they are in. This guy is quitting becaause he can’t take it anymore. He is tired of risking his body for Peyton Manning who is the only important player on the team. Ask some player who played under tom gouhlinwhen he was head coach for the jaqs. These guys could not walk at age 24. Quinn is leaving while he can still stand up right. Good for him and I aignt mad at him.