Jaguars Pro-Bowl linebacker Telvin Smith announced on Instagram Thursday he is taking a year off of football to concentrate on his family and health.
Telvin wrote on Instagram:
"It was said to me from a great coach, that in order for the man to be his best, he must get his world in order. At this time I must take time away from this game and get my world in order. I must give this time back to myself, my family, and my health. I appreciate all the support I will and will not get. I just ask y'all respect my decision to not play football this season. I know the rumors of trade talk came about, but I started my career in Jacksonville and the day I do decide to call it quits it will be right here in Duval. I love y'all and even in my time off it's #10toesdown ya feel me!!!! Love!"
Smith was drafted by the Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2014 draft. He made the NFL Pro Bowl in 2017.
The Jaguars stated:
“We will not have a comment about Telvin Smith’s statement at this time. We need to have a conversation with Telvin to understand the situation and the circumstances. If there is a way we can support him we need to understand that.”