Baltimore Ravens linebacker Rolando McClain, who retired from the NFL at the age of 23 on Wednesday, has issued a statement regarding his abrupt departure from football.

"Clearly, my decision to retire has raised some questions," McClain said in a statement from his agent issued to The Baltimore Sun and other media outlets. "Quite simply, I love football, but I have decided at this time it is in my best interest to focus on getting my personal life together. Beyond that, I'm not sure what the future holds for me, including football. This was entirely my decision and the Ravens have been very supportive during this process. I am very grateful for the opportunity they gave me and wish them the best of luck in the future. God willing, maybe I'll play for them one day."

The Ravens placed McClain on the reserve/retired list, meaning they still hold his rights. If McClain, who still has charges pending against him in his home state of Alabama, returns to the NFL, the Ravens then reinstate the one-year, $700,000 contract he signed last month.

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Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com