DENVER, CO - JANUARY 19: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots is sacked by Terrance Knighton #94 of the Denver Broncos on a fourth down in the fourth quarter during the AFC Championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 19, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Former NFL 7-year veteran reportedly set to join college football staff

He retired young, but is staying in football

After an impressive seven-year career in the NFL, defensive tackle Terrance Knighton told ESPN's Adam Schefter that he was retiring on Thursday. The 30-year-old veteran did not appear in a single game during the 2016 NFL season and it appears that Knighton saw the writing on the wall when it came to his professional future on the football field.

However, an interesting lure may have contributed to his final decision, as Knighton is reportedly on his way to join the coaching staff of the Baylor Bears beginning immediately.

The notion that Knighton "couldn't turn down" Baylor is an interesting one, especially given all of the turmoil associated with that program in recent months. With that said, it could be a very interesting opportunity for the still young Knighton and it isn't every day that a 30-year-old is offered a position of this magnitude without experience.

Beyond that, Knighton has a previous relationship with new Baylor head coach Matt Rhule, who was on the staff at Temple when Knighton emerged from the program in 2009. It will be very interesting to see what kind of impact Knighton has and what role he takes on in the immediate future. For now, we know only that Knighton will be relocating to Waco.