Depression, Video Games Behind Pitcock's Retirement

After his first practice with the Seattle Seahawks, defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock disclosed the reasons for his retirement after just one season with the Indianapolis Colts: Depression and video games.

From Eric Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune:

"We got to talk to Pitcock afterward, and he was frank in discussing his reasons for retiring from the league in 2008 while with Indianapolis at the age of 24, saying he was suffering from bouts of depression, and that he had used video games as an outlet.

Pitcock said his video game playing eventually became an addiction that he needed help with, along with the depression. Pitcock said he still lived in Indianapolis after he stepped away from the game."

"I didn’t think I was good enough mentally for the team," Pitcock said on Thursday, "So I thought it was best for the team and myself at the time that I left because I didn’t think I was mentally ready for the game.

"I’m having a fun time out here today and the guys are very welcoming," Pitcock said. "I think some guys don’t know my story, they just thought I got released by Indy. And that’s fine. I’m not trying to make it a big deal. I left quietly and I’d like to come in quietly and just show what I can accomplish with the team."

Veteran wide receiver Mike Hass was released to make room for Pitcock on the 80-man roster.