Jordan Love, the talented quarterback who once sat in the shadows of NFL legend Aaron Rodgers, has officially announced his retirement from professional football. The 25-year-old’s decision to step away from the game comes in the wake of a profound personal loss—the passing of his close friend and long-time mentor, Coach Ben Miller.

Love, who was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, spent much of his early years learning under the tutelage of Rodgers, one of the league’s greatest quarterbacks. While Love showed flashes of promise during his sporadic appearances on the field, his career never fully blossomed due to both the high expectations placed on him and the challenges of following in Rodgers’ footsteps. However, it was his relationship with Coach Miller, who had been his high school coach and later a key figure in his development as a player, that became the cornerstone of his growth both as a football player and as a person.

Coach Miller was a figure of stability and guidance in Love’s life, providing mentorship not only in football but in navigating the complexities of life as a professional athlete. Their bond, forged during Love’s early years in football, was a key influence on his mentality and his approach to the game. When Coach Miller passed away unexpectedly earlier this year, Love struggled to find the same drive and passion he once had for the sport.

In his retirement announcement, Love shared a heartfelt message, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play in the NFL, as well as the support of his teammates, coaches, and fans. He spoke about the difficulty of saying goodbye to the game but explained that, in light of his personal loss, he felt it was time to focus on honoring his mentor’s legacy outside of football.

While Love’s playing career may have been brief, his decision to retire at such a young age reflects the deep bond he shared with Coach Miller and the importance of honoring personal connections over professional ambitions.