With the Seahawks kicking off their first minicamp of the Pete Carroll era today, defensive end Patrick Kerney has announced his retirement.
Kerney has been plagued by injuries the last couple of years, causing a drop in production, making it unlikely that he would be back with the team without taking a pay cut, so his decision to walk away doesn’t come as a big surprise.
Here is the release from the team:
Renton, Wash. – Seattle Seahawks defensive end Patrick Kerney has retired from the NFL, the team announced today.
The two-time Pro Bowler (2004, 2007) and two-time AP All-Pro (second-team in 2004, first-team in 2007) posted double-digit sacks four times and led the NFC (2nd NFL) with a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2007, in being named the 2007 NFC Defensive Player of the Year. He also started all 16 games seven times in 11 seasons and was named the 2008 Seahawks Man of the Year for his community contributions.
“Despite the desire to continue my career, I am retiring from professional football,” said Kerney. “The toll that has been taken on my body will no longer allow me to train, and hence, perform, at a level that is acceptable to me. It has been a privilege to work for two first-class organizations that are supported by passionate, inspirational fans. I cannot express enough gratitude to all who have supported me throughout my career.”
He posted a career-high 104 tackles (54 solo) and picked up a fumble to score his only career touchdown in 2002. In 2007, he tied his career-high of 3.0 sacks on three occasions, and became the first player since Dwight Freeney in 2004 to record back-to-back 3+ sack games. For his efforts, Kerney was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for November, after posting 16 tackles (15 solo), 7.0 sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles in four games.
Originally the 30th overall selection out of Virginia by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1999 NFL Draft, Kerney played eight seasons in Atlanta and three seasons in Seattle, starting 144 of 159 career games played. He recorded 659 tackles (406 solo), 82.5 sacks, three interceptions, 19 forced fumbles and 11 fumble recoveries during his career. His sack total closed the 2009 season ranked third in the NFC (8th NFL) among active players.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
