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Ackee · 09-04-2008, 06:10 PM

MIAMI (AP)—Daunte Culpepper summed up his thoughts Thursday in two words, which ushered in the start of a new era for the former Pro Bowl quarterback.

“Farewell NFL,” he wrote.

With that, a career once filled with such promise came to a most unceremonious end.

Culpepper, who starred for the Minnesota Vikings before a major knee injury in 2005 curtailed his career, announced his retirement in an e-mail Thursday morning, saying he’s simply grown tired of fighting for one more opportunity.

The 31-year-old was the Vikings’ first-round draft choice in 1999, became their full-time starter a year later, and teamed with Randy Moss to pile up yards and touchdowns at an impressive rate.

But he hurt his right knee in October 2005, never played for the Vikings again, and never seemed to return to his past level, either.

“When free agency began this year, I had a new sense of excitement about continuing to rebuild my career in the same way that I had rebuilt my knee after my catastrophic injury in 2005,” Culpepper said. “Unfortunately, what I found out was that the league did not share any of the optimism about me as an unrestricted free agent that I expected. In fact, there was an overwhelming sense that there was no room for me among this year’s group of quarterbacks.”

The Miami Dolphins acquired him in 2006 in exchange for a second-round pick, but Culpepper played only four games before being shut down because of continued knee problems. He was sacked 21 times in those four games, and his brief stint with Miami had two compelling images:

— Getting sacked seven times in his first home game, where fans booed him by halftime.

— Walking off the field during minicamp in June 2007 because the Dolphins wouldn’t let him play, and flanked by a team security official.

“Now that dream to get back on the field and prove everybody wrong is behind him,” said Dolphins defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday, who talked to Culpepper about his ongoing comeback quest this summer. “It has to be tough. … When he was healthy, he was definitely one of the best.”

Last season, the Oakland Raiders took a shot on Culpepper, and he made five starts there, albeit only getting five touchdown passes in those games. And over the past few months, he tried to get any opportunity around the league, even saying just last week that he’d be willing to be Aaron Rodgers’ backup in Green Bay.

There were no takers, and Culpepper saw no reason to keep waiting.

“Since I was not given a fair chance to come in and compete for a job, I would rather move on and win in other arenas of life,” Culpepper said.

In Minnesota, Culpepper’s decision was met with disappointment, even though he hadn’t played there for years.

“Very surprising. Surprising that he hasn’t gotten a job, too. Sad,” Vikings safety Darren Sharper said. “Last year I didn’t think he played bad in Oakland. I’ve seen quarterbacks that are still playing in this league today play a lot worse. … And they still have jobs. So I don’t know the reason for it.”

Culpepper completed 64 percent of his passes in a nine-year career, with 142 touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder out of Central Florida was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, and he was at his best in 2004, when he established career-highs in yards (4,717), touchdowns (39) and passing rating (110.9).

Then came the knee injury, and it all went downhill from there, even though Culpepper—who has served as his own agent and announced his retirement in an e-mail—believes he can still compete.

“No matter what I did or said, there seemed to be a unified message from teams that I was not welcome to compete for one of the many jobs that were available at the quarterback position,” Culpepper said.

Culpepper said, without citing anyone by name, that he was told he’d get a chance with some teams this season when other quarterbacks got injured. Friends, family members and “league personnel” also advised him, Culpepper said, to continue waiting for a chance and postponing any decision on retirement.

“If he was anywhere close to 100 percent, it would seem teams would have to take a shot at him,” Holliday said. “You look at the league and you see a lot of teams don’t have that high-profile, quality quarterback.”

Sometime in the past six days, though, Culpepper’s mind was made up.

“I want to thank my family and my fans for their unwavering belief in me as a person and a player,” Culpepper said. “I embraced both the peaks and the valleys of the game and my career. I am a better person today as a direct result of the experience of playing in the NFL. I can now focus on the enjoyment of watching some of the greatest athletes in the world play the game I love without the distraction of waiting for those elusive return phone calls.”

AP Sports Writers Dave Campbell in Eden Prairie, Minn., and Steven Wine in Davie, Fla., contributed to this report

Link to article: Daunte Culpepper retires from NFL - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

ESPN article: ESPN - Culpepper, unable to catch on as free agent, retires at age 31 - NFL

Thought he was going to be the biggest thing in the QB position when he first came out. Could throw the ball, could run the ball, and was build like a linebacker! Was excited when we signed him in Miami, but unfortunately my excitement was short lived.

Sucks his career was cut so short though
UCF alum too

Bake n Shark · 09-05-2008, 02:39 AM

Originally Posted by Ackee

Link to article: Daunte Culpepper retires from NFL - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

ESPN article: ESPN - Culpepper, unable to catch on as free agent, retires at age 31 - NFL

Thought he was going to be the biggest thing in the QB position when he first came out. Could throw the ball, could run the ball, and was build like a linebacker! Was excited when we signed him in Miami, but unfortunately my excitement was short lived.

Sucks his career was cut so short though
UCF alum too

I don't think it will last... and I really didn't agree with his public bytching. The season's a long way ahead still and Daunte needs to recognize that he's in no position to walk into anyone's locker room and demand a chance to start. It's a good competitive mentality... but you have to be realistic as well.

That said... I find it hard to believe that there's no room in Chicago for him. They must really like what they see in Orton, Grossman and Chris Leak (maybe Moses Moreno still there too?).

Yankee Doodle · 09-05-2008, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by Bake n Shark

I don't think it will last... and I really didn't agree with his public bytching. The season's a long way ahead still and Daunte needs to recognize that he's in no position to walk into anyone's locker room and demand a chance to start. It's a good competitive mentality... but you have to be realistic as well.

That said... I find it hard to believe that there's no room in Chicago for him. They must really like what they see in Orton, Grossman and Chris Leak (maybe Moses Moreno still there too?).

Green Bay was ready for him. Pittsburgh was willing. But you are right, it's about attitude. He can just expect to walk in an start. Give a team a few games this season, someone will give him a call.

Optimus Prime HD · 09-05-2008, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by Yankee Doodle

Green Bay was ready for him. Pittsburgh was willing. But you are right, it's about attitude. He can just expect to walk in an start. Give a team a few games this season, someone will give him a call.

But din de man say he was willin to be Aaron Rogers backup? Maybe allyuh seein something in this article that I miss, but it sounds like he simply wanted to feel like he had an opportunity to be on a team (and possibly compete to start) based on his track record and I can't say I disagree. He has a proven arm and poise as opposed to a lot of these QBs in the game right now. So unless there are legit health issues that isn't being disclosed I agree with his decision. If someone goes down and his phone rings and he want to evaluate it that would be fine but better he save he dignity and walk than have teams stringing him along with the lure of the imminent return call.

Yankee Doodle · 09-05-2008, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by Shawn E. Glass

But din de man say he was willin to be Aaron Rogers backup? Maybe allyuh seein something in this article that I miss, but it sounds like he simply wanted to feel like he had an opportunity to be on a team (and possibly compete to start) based on his track record and I can't say I disagree. He has a proven arm and poise as opposed to a lot of these QBs in the game right now. So unless there are legit health issues that isn't being disclosed I agree with his decision. If someone goes down and his phone rings and he want to evaluate it that would be fine but better he save he dignity and walk than have teams stringing him along with the lure of the imminent return call.

But that is what happened. Especially the Green Bay situation. He actually went up there twice. First before the Favre situation, second after. They offered him a 1 year, 1 million dollar contract (I'm in the wrong business) but there was no contact since.

But there is something weird going on with older players and the NFL. I mean look at the free agents in the past couple of years. Specifically Culpepper, Shaun Alexander (yes he had injuries and is a soft runner but still hasn't really gotten a look), and Dominick Davis (Williams). The win-now phenomenon has really hurt long term longevity in football (if you are not a kicker or your last name is not Favre). These young players really need to take a long look at this.

Optimus Prime HD · 09-05-2008, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by Yankee Doodle

But that is what happened. Especially the Green Bay situation. He actually went up there twice. First before the Favre situation, second after. They offered him a 1 year, 1 million dollar contract (I'm in the wrong business) but there was no contact since.

But there is something weird going on with older players and the NFL. I mean look at the free agents in the past couple of years. Specifically Culpepper, Shaun Alexander (yes he had injuries and is a soft runner but still hasn't really gotten a look), and Dominick Davis (Williams). The win-now phenomenon has really hurt long term longevity in football (if you are not a kicker or your last name is not Favre). These young players really need to take a long look at this.

I agree with that. I mean you telling me Alexander can't even get a try out? Yeah he ah lil soft but de man have break away ability and elusive as hell. And DW who was Houston lone bright spot at RB over the years (he wasn't the greatest back ever but still a good one)? I woulda expect Chicago to give a QB like DC a look, even in Washington as a backup (cause I eh sold on JC one bit).

Yankee Doodle · 09-05-2008, 01:00 PM

Originally Posted by Shawn E. Glass

I agree with that. I mean you telling me Alexander can't even get a try out? Yeah he ah lil soft but de man have break away ability and elusive as hell. And DW who was Houston lone bright spot at RB over the years (he wasn't the greatest back ever but still a good one)? I woulda expect Chicago to give a QB like DC a look, even in Washington as a backup (cause I eh sold on JC one bit).

Plenty of places should have looked at Culpepper. Chicago and Washington as you said. KC (as starter but Edwards want to go young), Carolina (as backup), Baltimore (as backup), Dolphins (as starter or backup), Atlanta (as starter). A ton of places.

I think a lot of coaches don't see that it's the system that really determines how well a player will be. Jason Campbell for example with the Skins. He has the arm, he's mobile, but his brain can't process information fast enough. He would be a good pocket passer. But this "west coast offense" they have will make him look bad. Alexander, when they lost Hutchinson, their O-line went south. Davis/Williams...I don't know what happen to he. Look like he fell off the earth.

Optimus Prime HD · 09-05-2008, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by Yankee Doodle

Plenty of places should have looked at Culpepper. Chicago and Washington as you said. KC (as starter but Edwards want to go young), Carolina (as backup), Baltimore (as backup), Dolphins (as starter or backup), Atlanta (as starter). A ton of places.

I think a lot of coaches don't see that it's the system that really determines how well a player will be. Jason Campbell for example with the Skins. He has the arm, he's mobile, but his brain can't process information fast enough. He would be a good pocket passer. But this "west coast offense" they have will make him look bad. Alexander, when they lost Hutchinson, their O-line went south. Davis/Williams...I don't know what happen to he. Look like he fell off the earth.

That O in Washington will keep sputterin unless the adapt to Campbell's strengths. apart from that I don't think the O-line gives him near enough time in the pocket to evaluate his options, that's why Chris Cooley had all the TDs last year because he big and strong and easy to hit. It seems that the only way for a player who has been written off to gain redemption is if they have a special situation like Ricky Williams had. I still amazed (and happy for him) that he back in such form that he was even allowed to compete for and seemingly win the starting position.

Bake n Shark · 09-05-2008, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by Shawn E. Glass

But din de man say he was willin to be Aaron Rogers backup? Maybe allyuh seein something in this article that I miss, but it sounds like he simply wanted to feel like he had an opportunity to be on a team (and possibly compete to start) based on his track record and I can't say I disagree. He has a proven arm and poise as opposed to a lot of these QBs in the game right now. So unless there are legit health issues that isn't being disclosed I agree with his decision. If someone goes down and his phone rings and he want to evaluate it that would be fine but better he save he dignity and walk than have teams stringing him along with the lure of the imminent return call.

Based on the convo on ESPN yesterday... he wasn't content to just settle for a back up's role... he wanted to contend for the starting job.

That aside he's been 'advocating' in the press for the past couple weeks for a job. Add that to his past public comments about both the Vikings and the Dolphins (don't ask me to repeat what he said... can't remember)... it creates an appearance that this is ah fella as soon as things start going south he'll run to the press and start griping.

Yankee Doodle · 09-05-2008, 03:33 PM

Originally Posted by Shawn E. Glass

It seems that the only way for a player who has been written off to gain redemption is if they have a special situation like Ricky Williams had. I still amazed (and happy for him) that he back in such form that he was even allowed to compete for and seemingly win the starting position.

Man, that surprised everyone down here that he didn't get cut. But Parcells tends to know players. Obviously he sees something in him.

Yankee Doodle · 09-05-2008, 03:37 PM

Originally Posted by Bake n Shark

Based on the convo on ESPN yesterday... he wasn't content to just settle for a back up's role... he wanted to contend for the starting job.

That aside he's been 'advocating' in the press for the past couple weeks for a job. Add that to his past public comments about both the Vikings and the Dolphins (don't ask me to repeat what he said... can't remember)... it creates an appearance that this is ah fella as soon as things start going south he'll run to the press and start griping.

I tend to agree. But then again, looking at the coaching staffs that he had to deal with. I mean in Minnesota he stood up for them to keep Moss. Then when Culpepper got hurt, they didn't even give him a chance to prove himself. Then in Miami...well...lets just say he didn't have much talent around him. When he was in Oakland, I think if they gave him more opportunities, he probably would have worked out. But once again, not much talent in the pool at WR. But while he had some "legitimate" gripes, sometimes you need to watch your mouth.

Bake n Shark · 09-05-2008, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by Yankee Doodle

I tend to agree. But then again, looking at the coaching staffs that he had to deal with. I mean in Minnesota he stood up for them to keep Moss. Then when Culpepper got hurt, they didn't even give him a chance to prove himself. Then in Miami...well...lets just say he didn't have much talent around him. When he was in Oakland, I think if they gave him more opportunities, he probably would have worked out. But once again, not much talent in the pool at WR. But while he had some "legitimate" gripes, sometimes you need to watch your mouth.

I agree with everything you said... none moreso that the last part. At the end of the day the NFL is very much an old boys club where ownership and management is concerned. Used to be the case in coaching, but not so much again.

Bottomline is you can't go around publicly criticizing your former employers and burning bridges like that... you get tagged with that 'malcontent' label (not saying with absolute certainty that this is what happened with him) and once attached, it's difficult to shake. Acting boldface on top of that can't help but hurt.

da_ice · 09-08-2008, 11:07 AM

Daunte, have your peoples call NE, them go be looking for a QB just now.

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09-08-2008, 11:07 AM	#13 (permalink)
da_ice not ur friend... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Da less u know.. da betta 4 u.. Posts: 3,227	Daunte, have your peoples call NE, them go be looking for a QB just now.