Keyshawn Johnson retired... to join ESPN

[Hypnotoad]

This just in according to ESPN's Sage Steel. He declined an offer to reunite with friend/Titans coach Jeff Fisher only to declare his retirement.

ESPN.com's story:

Keyshawn Johnson has declined an offer from the Tennessee Titans and has decided to retire. The wide receiver is expected to announce his decision at a Wednesday afternoon news conference.

Sources told ESPN.com's Michael Smith that Johnson will pursue a career in television.

Johnson, who turns 35 in July, was released by the Carolina Panthers earlier this month after the Panthers drafted Southern California wideout Dwayne Jarrett. He had 70 catches for 815 yards and four touchdowns for Carolina in 2006.

Johnson, the No. 1 pick in the 1996 NFL draft, has started 162 of 167 games in his 11 NFL seasons that spans stints with Carolina, Dallas, Tampa Bay and the New York Jets. He has 815 career receptions.

He worked as an analyst on ESPN's televised coverage of the the NFL draft last month.

ESPN.com senior writer Michael Smith and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

 

[silverbear]

This just in according to ESPN's Sage Steel. He declined an offer to reunite with friend/Titans coach Jeff Fisher to retire.

While he was a problem child at times elsewhere, he busted his butt for the Cowboys... I wish him well...

 

[Doomsday101]

This just in according to ESPN's Sage Steel. He declined an offer to reunite with friend/Titans coach Jeff Fisher to retire.

Bit of a suprise there. I guess he will be looking to get a TV gig with one of the football pre-game shows.

 

[bobtheflob]

I guess he didn't consider them to be a contender this year.

 

[carphalen5150]

Yep...reported on ESPN Radio. The guy had a good run, not an elite player, but certainly a very solid career.

 

[dmq]

He can play on my team any time. Suprised he doesn't want to play for an up and coming team like the Titans.

 

[Doomsday101]

He can play on my team any time. Suprised he doesn't want to play for an up and coming team like the Titans.

He would be a big help for Young.

 

[AbeBeta]

Shame -- Key really gave the Cowboys some great leadership. Showed some real heart here. Increasingly, I can see why Bill might have been a little unhappy about him leaving.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

He would be a big help for us IMO. You can never have too many guys who just catch the ball for 1st downs. Kinda sorry to see him hang it up but if he's done, my well wishes go with him. He talks a lot but he always stood by what he said and he always came to play on game day. I wish him well.

 

[AbeBeta]

He would be a big help for us IMO.

He would be but he'd knock a young guy off the roster

 

[03EBZ06]

It's interesting that Key appeared to have a strong desire to play for a team this year and his agent working hard contacting other teams to get some sort of commitment and now he has declined an offer from Titans. I'm wondering if the final offer was not what he wanted and Titans was the only team that was interested in him.

I didn't care for how he handled himself while he was with other teams but he helped our team and provided the leadership so good luck to him getting a new TV gig.

 

[Hostile]

Groan to him on TV more. The Draft was bad enough.

 

[YosemiteSam]

This just in according to ESPN's Sage Steel. He declined an offer to reunite with friend/Titans coach Jeff Fisher only to declare his retirement.

ESPN.com's story:

I guess BSPN offered him more money.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Groan to him on TV more. The Draft was bad enough.

Which is exactly why they want him. Because he is so bad that everyone talks about him. Just like Bill Walton. uke:

 

[Doomsday101]

Groan to him on TV more. The Draft was bad enough.

I thought he did a good job, I did not agree with every comment by him but he was very articulate and straight to the point. The networks want guys who have strong opinions and Key fits that to a tee.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Best of luck to Keyshawn Johnson, he played hard while wearing a Cowboys uniform.

 

[Chuck 54]

It's all about money at this point...the retirement doesn't mean a thing. As soon as someone loses a starting WR to injury in preseason or even in early season, and especially if they have only young, unproven guys behind him, Keyshaun will get a much better $ offer.

Heck, if T.O. or Glen were to go down in preseason, I'm sure we'd be on the phone to Keyshaun immediately.

 

[burmafrd]

He did a good job with us. That pretty much makes him alright with me.
I think he took a good luck at what was available and decided it just was not good enough.

 

[Hostile]

I thought he did a good job, I did not agree with every comment by him but he was very articulate and straight to the point. The networks want guys who have strong opinions and Key fits that to a tee.

Some examples...

Keyshawn: "He reminds me of me..."

Keyshawn: "Calvin Johnson is a mixture of me and say Randy Moss."

Keyshawn: "When I came into the league as the overall number 1 pick in 1997..."

Keyshawn: "Teams need a big, go to WR like myself..."


And people say TO loves himself.

 

[Hypnotoad]

Which is exactly why they want him. Because he is so bad that everyone talks about him. Just like Bill Walton. uke:

Getting a job at ESPN/NFL network requires a polished resume. A resume with nuggets such as:

• Burping on occasion during a live broadcast
• Referring to the Play Clock as a Shot Clock
• Coming to work sick with a hoarseness in your voice
• A disturbing combover
• Runny nose during a live report from Green Bay
• Awkward silence while interviewing your replacement