Connor Hamlett, who signed with Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent, gave NFL teams the impression that he was giving up football after college, the Florida Times Union reports. "I just took some time off because I was banged up," said Hamlett, launch

Hamlett, who signed with Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent, gave NFL teams the impression that he was giving up football after college, the Florida Times Union reports. "I just took some time off because I was banged up," said Hamlett, launching into a denial that he retired. "I love the game of football, and I wanted to play. The whole [story] kind of got blown out of proportion."

Analysis:

Hamlett, who had three surgeries in 2013 to repair meniscus cartilage damage, told a hometown newspaper in Washington state that he "didn't want to be in pain every day." That led to the impression that he was not going to pursue football professionally. He has since spent time convincing teams he was willing to sign. The Jaguars felt he was draft-worthy and will give him an opportunity when organized team activities begin Tuesday.