Quinn Pitcock is not really well-remembered by NFL fans, but was a highly touted defensive tackle many years ago. Fresh out of Ohio State University with All-American honors, he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2007 and known for being a powerful and strong player.
However, he only played in a few games and retired early, which was quite shocking for many at the time. He has recently talked about why he retired abruptly.
Ex-Colts Quinn Pitcock talks about gaming addiction
Pitcock only played nine games of which he started only one. He recorded 18 tackles and 1.5 sacks during those games for the Colts. He was expected to have more playing time and a bigger role in the next season. But he shockingly retired just before the 2008 training camp, playing only in his rookie season. Being only 24-years-old at the time, this shocked many and had attributed it to personal issues.
Aug 27, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackles Quinn Pitcock (95) Rob Callaway (61) and defensive end Keyunta Dawson (75) during the second half against the New England Patriots at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images
Aug 27, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackles Quinn Pitcock (95) Rob Callaway (61) and defensive end Keyunta Dawson (75) during the second half against the New England Patriots at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images
He later admitted that he was suffering from severe depression and ADHD at the time, and was addicted to video games. He more specifically used to play the games of the “Call of Duty” series. He admitted that he used to spend up to 18 hours on the game, and ignored his family and friends.
He said, “There were some issues. Maybe some mild depression. I’m the kind of person that avoids problems. Video games were my outlet. The only way I could get my endorphins was by playing video games. I would break the games, try to get rid of them, but I couldn’t stop. I’d say, ‘Quinn, what are you doing?’ Physically, I could not put down a video game.”
Pitcock managed to get rid of his addition by taking help from the Colts and psychologists. He attempted to make his return to the NFL, signing for the Seattle Seahawks in 2010, and the Detroit Lions in 2011, but both of them ultimately did not work out. The 42-year-old later found success in the Arena Football League, playing for the Orlando Predators and the Arizona Rattlers. Many fans could not believe that an NFL star could leave the sport and its lucrative contracts to play video games, and mocked him for it.
Fans criticize Quinn Pitcock’s gaming addiction
Pitcock is being mocked on social media by many NFL fans for retiring early to play video games.
One user said, “Quit millions in the NFL to go 0-100 in Call of Duty lobbies instead 💀 Bro chose respawns over rings. Softest exit since I rage-quit Fortnite in 2018 😂”.
A second user wrote, “Bro quit the NFL to grind Call of Duty ranks 💀 Meanwhile I’m 0-17 in ranked and still show up to work. Weakest mentality in league history 😂”.
A third remarked, “He’s worse than a drug addict. Not quite as bad as sugar addicts”.
Another added, “What a loser 😂 he probs spends the other hours gooning”.
A fifth replied, “Just put the controller down dummy”.
A sixth user commented, “Such a bad excuse I game with my friends everyday and I still get up and go to work”.
Quinn Pitcock is facing backlash for his gaming addiction-induced early retirement, though he has recovered from it.