NFL notes
Published 9:34 pm Saturday, December 29, 2007
PANTHERS: After 21 seasons, Vinny Testaverde has had enough.
The 44-year-old quarterback said Saturday that he’ll retire after Carolina’s season finale at Tampa Bay today.
“I just feel like it’s time,” Testaverde told The Associated Press before boarding the team bus for the airport. “Obviously at 44 it does get a little bit tougher as the weeks go by. I’m glad I’m able to do it on my own terms and walk away from the game not only healthy, but to experience some of the things I’ve been through.”
Testaverde was out of the league until the Panthers, desperate for quarterback help after injuries to Jake Delhomme and David Carr, signed him on Oct. 10. Four days and only three practices later, Testaverde became the oldest starting QB to win a game when he led the Panthers to a victory at Arizona.
“It’s going to be, for me, one of my special moments in the NFL,” Testaverde said. “To come in with three days of preparation and go out and help a team win a football game and contribute, I’m proud of the fact I was able to do that.”
Testaverde started five more games for Carolina and completed 94 of 172 passes for 952 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions.
But his body wore down late in the season, and he was sidelined by back pain and a right Achilles tendon injury that kept him out of games and practices the past month.
Testaverde started contemplating retirement several weeks ago.
“You want to be able to go out there and perform the way you think you can,” Testaverde said. “When you have some things that hinder you from doing that, it makes it tougher.”
Testaverde ranks sixth in the league for career attempts (6,701), completions (3,787) and yards passing (45,233). Testaverde has thrown 275 touchdown passes and 267 interceptions. He holds the NFL record by throwing at least one TD pass in 21 straight seasons.
Testaverde plans to move his family from Long Island in New York to Tampa early next year. While he said he’s not interested in coaching, he would like to get involved working with athletes on conditioning and weightlifting. Testaverde has credited his longevity to a rigorous workout program.
BILLS: Buffalo starting safety Donte Whitner will miss today’s season finale at Philadelphia because of the flu.
RAVENS: Baltimore placed Todd Heap on injured reserve, ending a frustrating season for the two-time Pro Bowl tight end. Plagued by a nagging hamstring injury, Heap played in just six games, recording 23 catches for 239 yards and one touchdown.
Associated Press
