Rolando McClain said in a statement Thursday that he loves playing football but he decided to retire to get his personal life in order and "God willing," he might play in the NFL again.
The Baltimore Ravens, who signed McClain in April after he was released by the Oakland Raiders, announced Wednesday that the linebacker had decided to retire at the age of 23.
"Clearly, my decision to retire has raised some questions. 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," McClain said in the statement.
"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."
Ten days after signing with the Ravens, McClain was arrested in his hometown of Decatur, Ala., and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. He is scheduled for a July 9 court date.
It was the third time McClain has been arrested in Decatur since 2011. He was charged in a 2011 shooting, and police arrested him in January on charges of having his car windows tinted too dark and trying to lie about his identity.
McClain was sentenced to jail on an assault charge after the shooting, but prosecutors later dismissed the case.
A city judge dismissed the January charge against McClain of trying to lie about his identity. He pleaded guilty to the window tint violation and paid a $182 fine.
Before joining the Ravens, McClain spent his first three NFL seasons with the Raiders, who selected him eighth overall in the 2010 draft out of Alabama.
In 41 games with Oakland he had 274 tackles, 6½ sacks and one interception. In his final season, he was suspended for two games for conduct detrimental to the team.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.