(Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) Jake Locker played for 4 seasons in the NFL. Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker announced his retirement on Tuesday.

Fox Sports 1's Mike Garafolo posted Locker's personal statement , in which the quarterback says he "no longer has the burning desire necessary to play football for a living."

Locker was drafted eighth by the Titans in 2011. He signed a four-year contract worth $12.5 million.

Here's Locker's full statement via Garafolo:

"I am retiring from football after much reflection and discussion with my family. I will always be grateful for having had the opportunity to realize my childhood dream of playing in the NFL and for the lifelong relationships I developed because of that experience. Football has always played a pivotal role in my life and I love the game, but I no longer have the burning desire necessary to play the game for a living; to continue to do so would be unfair to the next organization with whom I would eventually sign. I realize this decision is surprising to many, but I know in my heart that it is the right decision and I look forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing other interests.”

Locker was affected by injuries his entire career, never playing more than 11 games in his four-year career.

Last season, Locker played only seven games before missing the rest of the season with shoulder surgery. In 2013, Locker missed time because of a foot injury, and in 2012 he also had shoulder surgery after the season.

Even when Locker did play, he wasn't very effective. In 2012, when he played 11 games, he managed 10 touchdowns, but threw 11 interceptions. In his seven games in 2014, Locker also threw seven interceptions to five touchdowns. He has a career 79 QB rating, according to Pro Football Reference.

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