In a heartfelt announcement on Thursday morning, Mitch Morse, the center for the Jacksonville Jaguars, brought his decade-long NFL journey to a close. Morse, who kicked off his professional career with the Kansas City Chiefs back in 2015, has decided to retire from the league.
Reflecting on his time in the NFL, Morse shared, “The most treasured memories from my career are undoubtedly the friendships and bonds I formed with teammates, both on and off the field. Those are irreplaceable, and I’m really going to miss that part of the game.”
Expressing gratitude, Morse gave a shout-out to the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Jacksonville Jaguars for a decade filled with unforgettable experiences. Yet, the deepest thanks went to his wife, Caitlin, and their children, Kennedy and Deacon, for their unwavering support throughout his football journey. Now, as he steps into retirement, he’s eagerly looking forward to more family time.
The Jaguars scooped up Morse last March on a lucrative two-year deal worth $10.5 million, including a $4 million signing bonus and $7 million guaranteed money. During the 2024 season, he proved his worth by starting all 17 games and securing the fourth position among centers for pass block win rate at an impressive 96.1%, according to ESPN Research.
Morse’s journey began when Kansas City picked him in the second round of the 2015 draft, placing him as the 49th overall. As a rookie, he hit the ground running by starting 15 games. His move to the Buffalo Bills in 2019 saw further success, capped by a Pro Bowl selection in 2022. Over his 10-year stretch in the NFL, Morse racked up 143 starts, showcasing consistent performance.
However, his departure now leaves the Jaguars with significant gaps to fill at both center and right guard positions, especially since it’s unlikely Brandon Scherff will return. Morse was brought on board as a seasoned upgrade after Luke Fortner, Jacksonville’s third-round selection in 2022, faced challenges in pass blocking despite playing every game in his initial two seasons.
