QB Jake Locker retires, has no ’burning desire’ to play

Quarterback Jake Locker has retired from football rather than hit free agency after four NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans, saying he no longer has the “burning desire” needed to keep playing the game for a living. Locker wrote Tuesday in a statement that he decided to retire after talking with his family. Locker officially became a free agent when his contract expired Tuesday. “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.” The Titans drafted Locker with the eighth pick overall out of Washington in 2011, but he was benched last October. He played behind Matt Hasselbeck in his first season, then was named the starter for 2012. – Associated Press