JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Tyler Shatley, a longtime offensive lineman for the Jacksonville Jaguars, says this NFL season will be his last.

Speaking at Jaguars training camp to News4JAX, an independent television station in Jacksonville, Florida, Shatley – a 2009 graduate of East Burke High School and a Cavaliers star who later starred at Clemson University – said he plans to retire after this, his 11th season in the NFL.

“It’s tough. I’ve been putting on protective pads every September for as long as I can remember. It’s a tough decision. It’s hard to give up the game, or even the thought of it, especially with the guys and the relationships I have here. But I’m just at a point in my life where you get a little bit older as far as the NFL goes. My body is starting to feel a little worn down.

“And a lot of it is my kids’ stuff. I want to be home with my family and witness those milestones and stuff. Obviously, there was a lot that went into it and it was a tough decision, but I wanted to know and make a decision so I know, ‘This year, I’m going to enjoy the dog days of camp.’ If there’s one way to enjoy it, it’s knowing I’m not going to be back next year. I’m trying to enjoy that, enjoy the rigors and enjoy the guys. I’m going to travel a little bit more, see all these places and play football.”

Shatley, who also excelled in wrestling and track for the Cavaliers, was named NCHSAA Male Athlete of the Year as a senior in 2009. During his 2008 football season for the Cavaliers, he rushed for 574 yards and 11 touchdowns on 126 carries.

He focused on the defensive line at Clemson of the Atlantic Coast Conference before signing with the Jaguars as a non-drafted free agent in 2014. He is now the longest-tenured Jag, making 145 regular-season appearances as an all-around offensive lineman, including 51 as a starter.

Although he played in all 17 games in 2023, Shatley had a minor health scare last August when he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a bothersome irregular heartbeat.

Now Shatley is considering retiring from the game of his own accord.

“Especially after last year with the atrial fibrillation, it’s good to be back out here and healthy,” Shatley told News4JAX. “It reminds me how thankful I am that I have the opportunity to still play football and be healthy.”