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http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3739632
The countdown to NFL training camps has picked up serious steam, with most teams kicking off drills later this month. But some veterans are more busy with their golf games this summer instead of staying in shape.
As many fantasy football fans are more concerned about finding the next great superstars, here's a chance to remember some of the players who have moved on to retirement during this off-season.
The following players have announced their retirements from the NFL during this off-season.
NFL's off-season retirement list
EMMITT SMITH
Running back 15-year NFL veteran
(DAL: 1990-2002, ARZ: 2003-04)
Career in a nutshell: Not a bad draft pick by Jimmy Johnson, huh? Smith may have faced a few doubts entering the NFL, but he put together a pretty decent little resume: NFL all-time records with 18,355 rushing yards and 164 touchdowns, three Super Bowl rings with the Cowboys, both the NFL's MVP and Super Bowl MVP awards in 1993, and basically one of the all-time best running backs ever to play the game. Don't let a mostly journeyman two seasons in the Arizona desert taint his legacy. Some might argue he ran behind a dominant O-line in Dallas and may not be the BEST RB ever, but to be in the conversation ain't too shabby.
RICH GANNON
Quarterback 16-year NFL veteran
(MIN: 1987-88, '90-92, WSH: 1993, KC: 1995-98, OAK: 1999-2004)
Career in a nutshell: The ultimate late-bloomer, Gannon proved to be one of the best free-agent signings in league annals with the Raiders before the 1999 season. After putting up wins without ground-breaking numbers with three other teams in his first twelve seasons, Gannon found an unlikely boss in deep-ball lover Al Davis — unlikely because Gannon was known for his accuracy, mobility and game management rather than his big arm. The Raiders were the AFC's team to beat before the Patriots' dynasty, with Gannon reaching four Pro Bowls and being named 2002 league MVP. The veteran has not officially retired yet, but he's clearly not in the Raiders' 2005 plans and would reportedly rather avoid risking re-injuring his neck for a backup job.
TIM BROWN
Wide receiver 17-year NFL veteran
(OAK: 1988-2003, TB: 2004)
Career in a nutshell: Here's another guy who hasn't signed his playing days away on paper, but for all intents has hung up the cleats. Though Brown never won the elusive Super Bowl ring for Al Davis, he has nothing to be ashamed of after a Hall of Fame career. The former Heisman Trophy winner was known more as arguably the AFC's best return man for his first five years before starting a streak of nine straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons from 1993-2001, including AFC highs in receiving yards four times. At age 36 in 2002, he and Jerry Rice led Oakland to the Super Bowl before losing to Jon Gruden's Bucs, where Brown finished up last season. With the 3rd-most catches and 2nd-most yards all-time, plan a Canton party for the classy Brown at the end of this decade.
GARY ANDERSON
Kicker 23-year NFL veteran
(PIT: 1982-94, PHI: 1995-96, SF: 1997, MIN: 1998-2002, TEN: 2003-04)
Career in a nutshell: This guy was supposed to retire last year, but as is common with those old-timer reliable legs he got an emergency offer to return. Sure, maybe he looked a little dorky sporting the single-bar facemask all those years. But Anderson was calm and cool when it counted as he rewrote the kicking chapters of the NFL record books. The South Africa native leaves as the NFL's all-time leading scorer in both the regular season and playoffs, and gained notice by going an entire season without missing a field goal or extra-point attempt in 1998 — only to miss a potential game-clinching field goal in the NFC title game against Atlanta. The Falcons tied the game, won in overtime, and Anderson never got his Super Bowl shot. Still, that can't take away from what should be a Hall of Fame career — yes, even as a kicker.
RICHMOND WEBB
Offensive tackle 13-year NFL veteran
(MIA: 1990-2000, CIN: 2001-02)
Career in a nutshell: The long-time Dolphins tackle actually hadn't played since 2002 with Cincy, but finally gave up the battle of rehabbing for a hopeful return to the trenches, where he ruled for a decade. The eighth overall pick in the 1990 draft certainly earned his share of Isotoner gloves as one of Dan Marino's main protectors in Miami. Webb was a Pro Bowl mainstay in the 1990s, earning trips to to Hawaii in each of his first seven seasons. As a sign of his fine work, the Dolphins allowed 30 or fewer sacks in nine of his 11 seasons with Webb on the line — including an NFL-low 16 in 1990. And this June, even after two seasons away from playing, Miami signed Webb to a one-day deal to retire as a 'Phin.
OTIS SMITH
Cornerback 13-year NFL veteran
(PHI: 1991-94, NYJ: 1995-96, '97-99, NE: 1996, 2000-02, DET: 2003)
Career in a nutshell: Even though he seemingly played for 20 teams (and most of them twice), it was only four over 13 seasons — which is pretty impressive for an undrafted free agent. Then consider he made the Philadelphia Eagles roster after going undrafted in 1990, the Gang Green defense of Reggie White, Jerome Brown, Eric Allen, et al. Through a tough work ethic, Smith turned into a solid NFL player who notched 29 career interceptions and twice led the NFL in INTs for TDs. He landed with the Jets in 1995 and became a Bill Parcells/Belichick favorite for his steadiness, as well as his penchant for the big plays in the biggest games. New England honored him by signing him to a one-day deal in May to retire as a Pat, a fine honor for Mr. Smith.
MO LEWIS
Linebacker 13-year NFL veteran
(NYJ: 1991-2003)
Career in a nutshell: Lewis spear-headed the Jets defense during the bulk of his days wearing green, and was the team's defensive captain at linebacker for his final seven seasons of active duty — starting with the 1997 turnaround season when the Jets went from 1-15 jokes to 9-7 playoff contenders under Bill Parcells. That year marked the comeback of the Jets defense, which has ranked among the top third in the NFL in almost every year since. From 1997-2000 Lewis averaged 7½ sacks per season in leading the Jets back to respectability, and he earned three Pro Bowl trips during that time. Lewis was a cap casualty after the 2003 season in NYC, but signed this June in order to retire as a Jet.
MARVIN JONES
Linebacker 11-year NFL veteran
(NYJ: 1993-2003)
Career in a nutshell: Jones was one of the more high-profile Jets draft picks in the past couple decades (fourth overall pick in 1993 out of Florida State) and actually one that didn't get booed by fans attending the draft in New York. While he didn't put up some of the career numbers that his teammate Lewis did, Jones was a force in the middle of the defense for many years with blinding, freakish speed at linebacker. Despite playing three fewer seasons than Lewis (Jones missed the entire 1998 season to injury), Jones averaged 120 tackles to 105 for Lewis and was often the more disruptive player until his body wore down toward his final seasons.
DORSEY LEVENS
Running back 11-year NFL veteran
(GB: 1994-2001, PHI: 2002, '04, NYG: 2003)
Career in a nutshell: An unrestricted free agent, Levens is expected to retire unless he gets an offer he can't refuse — which is unlikely at this point since he turned 35 in May. Still, the former Packer finished strong in Philly as Brian Westbrook's backup, with Dorsey as the horsey between the tackles (4.4 yards per carry, 410 rush yards, 4 TDs). Levens began his days as Packer understudy to Edgar Bennett in winning a ring in 1996, but with his versatility Levens won the starting job in '97 and rushed for 1,435 yards. His injury issues prevented him from being a full-time starter for more than a couple seasons, but that didn't keep the Eagles from using him as a valuable backup.
JOSH EVANS
Defensive tackle 10-year NFL veteran
(HOU/TEN: 1995-2001, NYJ: 2002-04)
Career in a nutshell: A solid defensive tackle for the Oilers/Titans and the Jets, Evans is retiring just shy of 33 after missing all but one game of the 2004 season due to back surgery. Evans was drafted into the NFL's team in limbo, the Houston Oilers, back in 1995 when the franchise was getting ready for an ugly divorce in Houston. After the move to Tennessee, Evans found more playing time and became part of a strong D-line rotation. However, Evans was suspended for the first month of 1999 en route to a Super Bowl appearance, then for the entire 2000 season due to the NFL's substance abuse policy. His ensuing two years were his best ever statistically, though he never did reach the upper echelons of the NFL's defensive tackles.
ROB KONRAD
Fullback 6-year NFL veteran
(MIA: 1999-2004)
Career in a nutshell: Six seasons may not seem like a lot, but it sure is at a position where the body endures dozens of head-first car crashes every Sunday. Fullback is not a glory position, but Konrad was never a glory hound. The final rushing numbers will never make the highlight shows: 38 career carries, 114 rushing yards, seven total TDs. But Konrad was a steady fullback on mostly a ground-oriented team under head coach Dave Wannstedt, which means he withstood quite a few head-butts in his career. Here's to a solid blocker — thanks for having such a hard head.
Other retiring players
Bradford Banta, TE/LS, 11-year NFL veteran: IND: 1994-99, NYJ: 2000, DET: 2001-03, BUF: 2004
Cory Hall, S, 6-year NFL veteran: CIN: 1999-2002, ATL: 2003-04
Jason Mathews, OT, 11-year NFL veteran: IND: 1994-97, TEN: 1998-2004
Alex Sulfsted, OT, 3-year NFL veteran: CIN: 2002-04
Still undecided
Tim Bowens, DT, 11-year NFL veteran (MIA: 1994-2004)
Has ruled out playing this year, but not giving up on 2006 just yet.
Donnie Abraham, CB, 9-year NFL veteran (TB: 1996-2001, NYJ: 2002-04)
Contemplated retirement, but participated in June minicamps and as of now he plans to play. Stay tuned.
The countdown to NFL training camps has picked up serious steam, with most teams kicking off drills later this month. But some veterans are more busy with their golf games this summer instead of staying in shape.
As many fantasy football fans are more concerned about finding the next great superstars, here's a chance to remember some of the players who have moved on to retirement during this off-season.
The following players have announced their retirements from the NFL during this off-season.
NFL's off-season retirement list
EMMITT SMITH
Running back 15-year NFL veteran
(DAL: 1990-2002, ARZ: 2003-04)
Career in a nutshell: Not a bad draft pick by Jimmy Johnson, huh? Smith may have faced a few doubts entering the NFL, but he put together a pretty decent little resume: NFL all-time records with 18,355 rushing yards and 164 touchdowns, three Super Bowl rings with the Cowboys, both the NFL's MVP and Super Bowl MVP awards in 1993, and basically one of the all-time best running backs ever to play the game. Don't let a mostly journeyman two seasons in the Arizona desert taint his legacy. Some might argue he ran behind a dominant O-line in Dallas and may not be the BEST RB ever, but to be in the conversation ain't too shabby.
RICH GANNON
Quarterback 16-year NFL veteran
(MIN: 1987-88, '90-92, WSH: 1993, KC: 1995-98, OAK: 1999-2004)
Career in a nutshell: The ultimate late-bloomer, Gannon proved to be one of the best free-agent signings in league annals with the Raiders before the 1999 season. After putting up wins without ground-breaking numbers with three other teams in his first twelve seasons, Gannon found an unlikely boss in deep-ball lover Al Davis — unlikely because Gannon was known for his accuracy, mobility and game management rather than his big arm. The Raiders were the AFC's team to beat before the Patriots' dynasty, with Gannon reaching four Pro Bowls and being named 2002 league MVP. The veteran has not officially retired yet, but he's clearly not in the Raiders' 2005 plans and would reportedly rather avoid risking re-injuring his neck for a backup job.
TIM BROWN
Wide receiver 17-year NFL veteran
(OAK: 1988-2003, TB: 2004)
Career in a nutshell: Here's another guy who hasn't signed his playing days away on paper, but for all intents has hung up the cleats. Though Brown never won the elusive Super Bowl ring for Al Davis, he has nothing to be ashamed of after a Hall of Fame career. The former Heisman Trophy winner was known more as arguably the AFC's best return man for his first five years before starting a streak of nine straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons from 1993-2001, including AFC highs in receiving yards four times. At age 36 in 2002, he and Jerry Rice led Oakland to the Super Bowl before losing to Jon Gruden's Bucs, where Brown finished up last season. With the 3rd-most catches and 2nd-most yards all-time, plan a Canton party for the classy Brown at the end of this decade.
GARY ANDERSON
Kicker 23-year NFL veteran
(PIT: 1982-94, PHI: 1995-96, SF: 1997, MIN: 1998-2002, TEN: 2003-04)
Career in a nutshell: This guy was supposed to retire last year, but as is common with those old-timer reliable legs he got an emergency offer to return. Sure, maybe he looked a little dorky sporting the single-bar facemask all those years. But Anderson was calm and cool when it counted as he rewrote the kicking chapters of the NFL record books. The South Africa native leaves as the NFL's all-time leading scorer in both the regular season and playoffs, and gained notice by going an entire season without missing a field goal or extra-point attempt in 1998 — only to miss a potential game-clinching field goal in the NFC title game against Atlanta. The Falcons tied the game, won in overtime, and Anderson never got his Super Bowl shot. Still, that can't take away from what should be a Hall of Fame career — yes, even as a kicker.
RICHMOND WEBB
Offensive tackle 13-year NFL veteran
(MIA: 1990-2000, CIN: 2001-02)
Career in a nutshell: The long-time Dolphins tackle actually hadn't played since 2002 with Cincy, but finally gave up the battle of rehabbing for a hopeful return to the trenches, where he ruled for a decade. The eighth overall pick in the 1990 draft certainly earned his share of Isotoner gloves as one of Dan Marino's main protectors in Miami. Webb was a Pro Bowl mainstay in the 1990s, earning trips to to Hawaii in each of his first seven seasons. As a sign of his fine work, the Dolphins allowed 30 or fewer sacks in nine of his 11 seasons with Webb on the line — including an NFL-low 16 in 1990. And this June, even after two seasons away from playing, Miami signed Webb to a one-day deal to retire as a 'Phin.
OTIS SMITH
Cornerback 13-year NFL veteran
(PHI: 1991-94, NYJ: 1995-96, '97-99, NE: 1996, 2000-02, DET: 2003)
Career in a nutshell: Even though he seemingly played for 20 teams (and most of them twice), it was only four over 13 seasons — which is pretty impressive for an undrafted free agent. Then consider he made the Philadelphia Eagles roster after going undrafted in 1990, the Gang Green defense of Reggie White, Jerome Brown, Eric Allen, et al. Through a tough work ethic, Smith turned into a solid NFL player who notched 29 career interceptions and twice led the NFL in INTs for TDs. He landed with the Jets in 1995 and became a Bill Parcells/Belichick favorite for his steadiness, as well as his penchant for the big plays in the biggest games. New England honored him by signing him to a one-day deal in May to retire as a Pat, a fine honor for Mr. Smith.
MO LEWIS
Linebacker 13-year NFL veteran
(NYJ: 1991-2003)
Career in a nutshell: Lewis spear-headed the Jets defense during the bulk of his days wearing green, and was the team's defensive captain at linebacker for his final seven seasons of active duty — starting with the 1997 turnaround season when the Jets went from 1-15 jokes to 9-7 playoff contenders under Bill Parcells. That year marked the comeback of the Jets defense, which has ranked among the top third in the NFL in almost every year since. From 1997-2000 Lewis averaged 7½ sacks per season in leading the Jets back to respectability, and he earned three Pro Bowl trips during that time. Lewis was a cap casualty after the 2003 season in NYC, but signed this June in order to retire as a Jet.
MARVIN JONES
Linebacker 11-year NFL veteran
(NYJ: 1993-2003)
Career in a nutshell: Jones was one of the more high-profile Jets draft picks in the past couple decades (fourth overall pick in 1993 out of Florida State) and actually one that didn't get booed by fans attending the draft in New York. While he didn't put up some of the career numbers that his teammate Lewis did, Jones was a force in the middle of the defense for many years with blinding, freakish speed at linebacker. Despite playing three fewer seasons than Lewis (Jones missed the entire 1998 season to injury), Jones averaged 120 tackles to 105 for Lewis and was often the more disruptive player until his body wore down toward his final seasons.
DORSEY LEVENS
Running back 11-year NFL veteran
(GB: 1994-2001, PHI: 2002, '04, NYG: 2003)
Career in a nutshell: An unrestricted free agent, Levens is expected to retire unless he gets an offer he can't refuse — which is unlikely at this point since he turned 35 in May. Still, the former Packer finished strong in Philly as Brian Westbrook's backup, with Dorsey as the horsey between the tackles (4.4 yards per carry, 410 rush yards, 4 TDs). Levens began his days as Packer understudy to Edgar Bennett in winning a ring in 1996, but with his versatility Levens won the starting job in '97 and rushed for 1,435 yards. His injury issues prevented him from being a full-time starter for more than a couple seasons, but that didn't keep the Eagles from using him as a valuable backup.
JOSH EVANS
Defensive tackle 10-year NFL veteran
(HOU/TEN: 1995-2001, NYJ: 2002-04)
Career in a nutshell: A solid defensive tackle for the Oilers/Titans and the Jets, Evans is retiring just shy of 33 after missing all but one game of the 2004 season due to back surgery. Evans was drafted into the NFL's team in limbo, the Houston Oilers, back in 1995 when the franchise was getting ready for an ugly divorce in Houston. After the move to Tennessee, Evans found more playing time and became part of a strong D-line rotation. However, Evans was suspended for the first month of 1999 en route to a Super Bowl appearance, then for the entire 2000 season due to the NFL's substance abuse policy. His ensuing two years were his best ever statistically, though he never did reach the upper echelons of the NFL's defensive tackles.
ROB KONRAD
Fullback 6-year NFL veteran
(MIA: 1999-2004)
Career in a nutshell: Six seasons may not seem like a lot, but it sure is at a position where the body endures dozens of head-first car crashes every Sunday. Fullback is not a glory position, but Konrad was never a glory hound. The final rushing numbers will never make the highlight shows: 38 career carries, 114 rushing yards, seven total TDs. But Konrad was a steady fullback on mostly a ground-oriented team under head coach Dave Wannstedt, which means he withstood quite a few head-butts in his career. Here's to a solid blocker — thanks for having such a hard head.
Other retiring players
Bradford Banta, TE/LS, 11-year NFL veteran: IND: 1994-99, NYJ: 2000, DET: 2001-03, BUF: 2004
Cory Hall, S, 6-year NFL veteran: CIN: 1999-2002, ATL: 2003-04
Jason Mathews, OT, 11-year NFL veteran: IND: 1994-97, TEN: 1998-2004
Alex Sulfsted, OT, 3-year NFL veteran: CIN: 2002-04
Still undecided
Tim Bowens, DT, 11-year NFL veteran (MIA: 1994-2004)
Has ruled out playing this year, but not giving up on 2006 just yet.
Donnie Abraham, CB, 9-year NFL veteran (TB: 1996-2001, NYJ: 2002-04)
Contemplated retirement, but participated in June minicamps and as of now he plans to play. Stay tuned.
