[vincesanity82]

Say what you will about Vinny Testaverde -- we sure have -- but you can't deny that he's had a longevity that is unrivaled in football. Show me another non-kicker that was playing in the NFL when this picture was taken that's still in the league today. (According to Getty Images, this photo was taken in 1989.)

Alas, all things must end sooner or later, and in the case of Testaverde, it's much, much later than we all expected. The #1 pick in the 1987 NFL Draft has announced that he will retire at the end of the Carolina Panthers' season. Interestingly enough, he announced his retirement in Tampa, the city of the team that drafted him. It all comes full circle.

In the end, it was a mighty big circle. Testaverde's pro career never quite lived up to the hype of his college career at Miami, where he won the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Award, among other things. He was a two-time Pro Bowler, though, and he will go down in history as the oldest QB to win an NFL game and the only QB to throw a touchdown pass in 21 consecutive seasons. He will finish with 46,233 passing yards (6th all-time) and 275 passing touchdowns (8th all-time).


Vinny Testaverde Calls It a Career (Finally!) - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

[azrael492]

It's about time.

[Lefty Noob]

He'll be back. Just you watch.

[bears9]

Didn't he call it a career after last season too?

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by bears9

Didn't he call it a career after last season too?

I think so.

[Quality88]

So the man doesn't like sittin on a coach all day. Leave him alone. He's a great source of info for rookies(verbally not physically). Besides, I know some people who after 20+ years on the job can't easily walk away.

[Bette]

Originally Posted by bears9

Didn't he call it a career after last season too?

No, he was just released from the Pats

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Bette

No, he was just released from the Pats

Vinny wasn't at the Pats was he?

[Bette]

Originally Posted by Quality88

Vinny wasn't at the Pats was he?

Not long, I think he signed in August and was released in Sept.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Bette

Not long, I think he signed in August and was released in Sept.

He played for them at the end of 06. He was signed again by them in August 07 and released in Sept. Like you said.

[legend]

He will always be known for that interception against Penn State at the goal line. He is a guy without a signature moment as a pro, even after all those years.

[Bette]

I'll always remember him as the guy Tony Romo says taught him some valuable work ethics, and how to prepare.

[azrael492]

I'll always remember him as interceptaverde with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was an awful QB back then. It is a testiment to his work ethic that he could stick around in the NFL for so long after being so poor.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by azrael492

I'll always remember him as interceptaverde with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was an awful QB back then. It is a testiment to his work ethic that he could stick around in the NFL for so long after being so poor.

Been alot worse QB's. Ones that would let the same stuff destroy their careers and not get anywhere at all

[ThePundit]

Yeah sure - just like Bill Parcells called it a career 3 times already. Let's see what what happens next year when some team desperate for a QB, gives Vinnie a call.