Jaguars Center Mitch Morse Announces Retirement After Ten Seasons

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jacksonville Jaguars center Mitch Morse announced his retirement Thursday after a decade-long career in the NFL that began with his draft by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015.

The decision comes after Morse, 32, completed a successful season with the Jaguars, starting all 17 games in 2024. He had one year remaining on a $10.5 million contract but expressed a desire to step away from the game and spend more time with his family.

“The things I’ll remember and cherish most about my career are the relationships and bonds I created with my teammates, both on and off the field,” Morse stated in a press release. “Nothing can replace that, and I will miss it dearly.”

Morse was drafted by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft and quickly established himself as a reliable offensive lineman. He played four seasons in Kansas City before joining the Buffalo Bills, where he earned Pro Bowl honors in 2022 and played for five seasons.

The veteran offensive lineman was signed by the Jaguars last March to bolster their offensive line. He ranked fourth among NFL centers in pass block win rate (96.1%) during the 2024 season, according to ESPN Research, solidifying his reputation as a top performer.

“I want to thank the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Jacksonville Jaguars for ten unforgettable seasons,” he added in his statement. “Most of all, I want to thank my wife, Caitlin, and my children, Kennedy and Deacon, for their constant love and support on this journey. I look forward to spending more time with them as I navigate retirement.”

Morse’s retirement leaves the Jaguars with potential gaps in their offensive lineup, as they will now need to fill the center and possibly the right guard position, with veteran Brandon Scherff entering free agency.

Over his ten-year career, Morse started a total of 143 games, including 13 playoff appearances, and recorded a 98-58 win-loss record. His consistent performance and leadership will be missed on the field.