The Indianapolis Colts are still trying to recover from one of the most humiliating losses in franchise history, as a defeat at the hands of Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars knocked them out of the postseason in the last week of the season. The loss may have ended the career of tight end Jack Doyle.
Since joining the Colts as an undrafted free agent out of Western Kentucky, Doyle has been a good soldier for nine seasons under Chuck Pagano and Frank Reich. Unfortunately, Doyle appears to be considering hanging things up after the 2021 season.
Doyle recorded 29 catches for 302 yards this season. Former basketball player Mo Alie-Cox appears to have jumped over Doyle in the tight end rotation. With his best years in the rearview mirror and Indianapolis having crashed out of the postseason, Doyle might be close to closing the book on his pro journey.
Doyle says he will talk to teammates, family members, and others close to him before he makes a decision on retiring. Doyle revealed that this season has been extremely challenging for him both physically and emotionally, which could lead him to say goodbye to the NFL.
Jack Doyle said he'll take some time and talk to people -- teammates, family, etc -- before deciding on whether to retire. Says the season and the game in general has taken a physical and emotional toll.
— Bob Kravitz (@bkravitz) January 10, 2022
Will Colts tight end Jack Doyle retire?
If this is indeed the end for Doyle, what a career it has been. Doyle has recorded 285 catches, 2,729 yards, and 24 touchdowns over the last nine years, making a pair of Pro Bowls in the process. As both a run blocker and receiver, Doyle has helped Andrew Luck, Philip Rivers, and Carson Wentz achieve success.
Unfortunately, it might be time to consider a changing of the guard. Reich coached tight ends to tons of gaudy statistical seasons in Philadelphia, and Indy could look to add someone with a bit more spark and pizzazz at that position. Doyle has still earned the right to leave the game on his own terms.
TY Hilton, who claims that he is not retiring after the crushing loss, will talk with Doyle to see if the tight end does indeed part ways with the Colts before deciding on returning to Indy. The Colts might be in the market for several skill position players next year.
Colts' TY Hilton on the possibility of Sunday being his last game: "Nah, not at all."
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) January 6, 2022
Hilton adds that he'll want to talk with TE Jack Doyle whenever the season is over to see if Doyle plans to return/retire, then go from there.
Doyle under contract for 1 more year; TY is a FA
On a team that has had some great tight ends over the years, Doyle has been one of the best, giving multiple quarterbacks and coaches stability during his tenure in Indy.
If he hangs them up, Colts fans should wish him well on his next endeavor and thank him for a successful career.
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