JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After 10 NFL seasons, all as a Jacksonville Jaguar, Burke County native Tyler Shatley decided that his 11th professional campaign would be his last.
It didn’t work out exactly as planned as Jacksonville released Shatley in the preseason, but the offensive lineman stuck by his decision to hang up his cleats, announcing his retirement as a Jaguar on Sunday afternoon.
“After 11 years in Jacksonville, I’ve decided it’s time to step away from the game,” Shatley, a 2009 East Burke High School graduate, said in a post on the Jaguars’ Facebook page. “It’s not an easy decision, and it saddens me to close this chapter, but my heart is full of gratitude — for the game, for the relationships it brought and for the privilege of finishing where it all began.
“First, I want to thank God for the gift to play this game I love and for His protection over me throughout these years. I’m forever grateful to the Jaguars organization for taking a chance on me. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent this city and this team, and for making Jacksonville a home where my family and I could thrive.”
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Shatley signed with the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and, from there, appeared in 145 NFL regular season games with 51 starts. He appeared in 139 consecutive games from 2015-23. Shatley also appeared in five playoff games, starting twice in 2022.
Before all of that, Shatley, who also excelled in wrestling and track and field for the Cavaliers, was named the NCHSAA’s 2009 male athlete of the year as a senior. During his 2008 senior football season, he tallied 574 yards and 11 touchdowns on 126 carries for the Cavaliers.
From there, Shatley played four seasons of college football at Clemson, the first two at defensive line before switching to offensive line as a redshirt junior.
Shatley acknowledged all the guiding voices he has had during his career.
“To my coaches, from my first days in peewee football to my final year in the NFL, thank you,” Shatley said. “Your guidance, wisdom and commitment shaped me, not just as a player, but as a man. You challenged me, encouraged me and helped me grow every step of the way.
“To my teammates — my brothers — thank you for the bond we shared. From childhood friends who shared the love of the game with me, to college roommates with whom I experienced life away from home, to the men I stood alongside in Jacksonville, you’ve all been family. Together, we celebrated victories and weathered defeats. We shared moments of joy, struggle and growth. Your friendships, your encouragement and your presence in my life are treasures I’ll carry forever.”
Now that his football playing career is over, Shatley is looking forward to spending more time with his family.
“And to my family — my foundation — thank you for everything,” Shatley said. “To my dad, for teaching me the value of hard work and discipline, and my mom, for your constant love and encouragement. To my siblings, my grandparents and all my relatives who showed up to cheer me on, your support has meant the world to me.
“To my wife, Natalie, thank you for your selfless love and unwavering support. You’ve sacrificed so much so I could chase my dreams, and you’ve always reminded me of what truly matters. You and our kids are my greatest gift. Coming home to you every day has been my greatest joy. Thank you for loving me not for what I do, but for who I am.
“To my children, you are my heart. You are my reason to work hard and to live with purpose. I hope you know how deeply I love you and how much you inspire me.”
