It took one year in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts for Pitcock to decide he wanted to do something else. The defensive tackle has decided to retire at age 24.

''After much deliberation and careful thought, Quinn resolved to retire from the NFL,'' agent Brad Leshnock said in an e-mail confirming Pitcock's decision.

Leshnock said Pitcock informed team officials of his intentions last week.

The former Ohio State player did not report with the rest of the Colts to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology last Thursday in Terre Haute, Ind., and was placed on the Colts' did not report list.

The move still surprised the Colts, who expected the 2007 third-round pick to be a contributor in their regular defensive line rotation.

Coach Tony Dungy and team president Bill Polian even told Pitcock he could have more time to reconsider. Should he decide to come back later, Dungy said the Colts would welcome him back.

Rams coach rips effort

St. Louis Rams coach Scott Linehan briefly halted the second practice on Wednesday, imploring players to persevere through the warmest day of training camp.

The ninth practice of camp began in 89 degree heat, more like conditions the team thought it was escaping when it moved 400 miles north to Mequon, Wis., this summer. Linehan called the team to the middle of the field and could be heard yelling before the practice resumed.

''It was between myself and the team,'' Linehan said. ''More than anything, it was the hottest day we've had and it was a challenging day."

Lynch done with Denver

John Lynch's days with the Denver Broncos appear to be over.

The 16-year NFL safety met with coach Mike Shanahan on Wednesday and told Denver's KCNC-TV that Shanahan gave him permission to explore other opportunities.

That could be playing for another team, or retiring to perhaps go into the broadcast booth.

Lynch skipped a team meeting Tuesday night and was excused from Wednesday's workouts for what Shanahan termed personal reasons.

Around the league

Titans: Tennessee is bringing in former Jacksonville quarterback Byron Leftwich for a physical and to throw to some receivers. The workout is designed to see if team officials want to add him to a ''ready list'' of players for emergencies.

Jaguars: Receiver Reggie Williams will have arthroscopic surgery after re-injuring his right knee during training camp.

Saints: First-round pick Sedrick Ellis practiced for the first time after signing a five-year contract earlier in the day.

The Times-Picayune, citing unidentified league sources, said the contract is worth $49 million, with $19.5 million in guarantees.