SEATTLE — Former University of Washington and Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse officially announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday.
The Lakes High School alum played eight seasons in the NFL, including five with the Seahawks, after going undrafted at UW.
Kearse made the announcement on Instagram, and thanked his wife Marissa and the 12s for supporting him during his career.
In his four years with the Huskies, Kearse had 180 catches for 2,871 yards and 29 touchdowns. His 29 touchdowns rank first in school history and his receiving yards rank second.
“I want to thank my wife (Marissa) for being the incredible woman that she is,” Kearse said. “Thank you for keeping me sane during the tough times and thank you for pushing me to be a better man. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Kearse signed with his hometown Seahawks after going undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft.
After playing sparingly during the 2012 season, Kearse became a key contributor during his second season as the Seahawks won their first Super Bowl in franchise history. His 35-yard touchdown catch on 4th and 7 in the fourth quarter of the 2014 NFC Championship gave the Seahawks their first lead of the game on their way to Super Bowl XLVIII.
The next year, Kearse again came up clutch with a 35-yard touchdown catch in overtime of the NFC Championship to send the Seahawks back to the Super Bowl.
“Seattle, as a hometown kid it was a complete honor to represent you guys out there on the field,” Kearse said. “Thank you so much for your endless support throughout my football career. It was an honor to put on that Hawks uniform and I’m so grateful I was able to help bring our first Super Bowl home! Something we will never forget.”
Kearse did not say what his plans are in his post-football career other than assuring fans he will be spending time with his family and playing golf.