Photo by Keyli Chisesi (Go Big Blue Country)
Former Kentucky Wildcat and NFL tight end Jacob Tamme took time to officially announce his retirement from football. The UK great made the announcement in a long, heartfelt letter that he posted to his Twitter account.
Tamme, a native of Danville, KY., was a multi-sport star playing football, basketball, and baseball. During his high school career, he led Boyle County to four consecutive state championships and a 58-2 record. For his career, he caught 97 passes for 1,866 yards and 32 touchdowns. Additionally, he intercepted 23 passes, returning two for touchdowns and added two punt return touchdowns.
After a stellar high school career, Tamme made his way to the University of Kentucky, where he redshirted his first season on campus. During his redshirt freshman season, he lined up at wide receiver but moved to the tight end position in the season finale at Tennessee.
Tamme’s career began to take off during his junior season, where he was voted first-team All-SEC after leading SEC tight ends in receptions (32) while adding 386 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
He earned another first-team All-SEC honor during his senior season, after recording 56 catches for 619 yards and six touchdowns. His Wildcat team put together the most successful season in decades, an 8-5 campaign that included wins over nationally ranked Louisville, #1 LSU, and Florida State in the Music City Bowl.
Tamme finished his Kentucky career as the school’s top pass-catching tight end. Additionally, he finished second all-time among SEC tight ends with 133 catches and 1,417 yards.
Tamme’s success wasn’t limited to the playing field, as he was recognized for his service in the community and the classroom. He made multiple appearances on the SEC Academic Honor Roll and in 2006; he was named to the National Good Works Team, SEC Community Service Team, and the Frank G. Ham Society of Character.
The honors didn’t stop there, as he was named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2007 and he delivered the speech for the prestigious Draddy Trophy, which is presented to the top scholar-athlete in the country. Tamme also took home the 2007 Bobby Bowden Award awarded by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
The UK graduate fulfilled a dream when the Indianapolis Colts selected him in the 4th round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He spent nine seasons in the NFL, making stops in Indianapolis, Denver, and Atlanta. His best season came in 2010 when he took over for the injured Dallas Clark, hauling in a career-high 67 receptions, 631 yards, and four touchdowns.
Tamme was a part of three teams that reached the Super Bowl (Indianapolis in 2009, Denver in 2014, and Atlanta in 2016). During Super Bowl XLVIII, he caught 2 catches for 9 yards in a 48-3 loss to Seattle. He missed Super Bowl LI after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in November.
Tamme officially retires from the NFL with a career line of 259 catches, 2570 yards, and 14 touchdowns. Congratulations on an outstanding career and best of luck to one of the best people out there. He will do big things in the next chapter of his life.
