By Breanna Jacobs
This afternoon, quarterback Kerry Collins announced that his sixteen year NFL career would be coming to a close. The 38-year-old Collins most recently played for the Tennessee Titans.
Collins, who attended Penn State, was the 5th overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft. Collins was drafted to the Carolina Panthers, a new franchise. Collins started the first game ever in Panthers history.
After playing with Carolina for three years, Collins was traded to the New Orleans Saints during the 1998 season. After a short stint with the Saints, Collins played for the New York Giants and the Oakland Raiders before finally making his way to Tennessee in 2006.
During his career, Collins threw for a total of 40,441 yards, 206 touchdowns and 195 interceptions. Collins was also named to the Pro Bowl in both 1996 and 2008.
While Collins was successful on the field, he faced many issues off the field. Collins struggled with alcoholism. After a drunken night in 1997, Collins was accused of using a racial slur and making derogatory jokes. Collins was also arrested for drunk driving in 1998. Prior to his time with the Giants, Collins spent time in a rehab program for his addiction and was given a chance to regain his NFL career.
Collins released a statement through his agent, David Dunn, in regard to his retirement. Collins said, βThe past several months have brought on much introspection, and I have decided that while my desire to compete on Sundays is still and always will be there, my willingness to commit to the preparation necessary to play another season has waned to a level that I feel is no longer adequate to meet the demands of the position.β
Collins is showed the utmost respect for his former coaches and teammates and Collins, in his final statement, said, βI want to wish Mike Munchak and the Tennessee Titans the best of luck in the future. I have had a fantastic five years here, and my family and I look forward to remaining part of the Middle Tennessee community that has been extremely gracious towards us and an honor to play for.β
Wally says
So where does this leave the Titans?? They’re quite wary of Vince Young and all his baggage plus inconsistent performance. Do they also have Matt Leinart on the roster now? … I’m fully in baseball mode and out of touch with NFL right now.
Chas says
Hard to believe Kerry Collins is 11th all-time in passing yardage.
Is he a Hall of Famer? Just kidding. π
Breanna says
Without Collins, and presumably without Vince Young (they’ll most likely be looking to trade or release him once the lock-out ends), the Titans have Rusty Smith, who will be in his 2nd year with the team, and Jake Locker, who they selected as their first draft pick this year.
Wally says
Thanks, Breanna. Looks like they’re banking on Locker being their starter for next 10 years. Could be a rough year in Tennessee if he starts right out of the shoot.
I think Collins is a little “Testeverdean” when it comes to his career numbers. Agree?
Chas says
Wouldn’t that be “out of the chute,” Wally? I guess there’s no confusing you with an English teacher. π
Chas says
But, yeah, I agree that his numbers are quite Testaverdian.
Smitty says
Does this change the Titans thinking on trading/releasing Vince Young? Maybe they get one more year out of him and allow Locker a year to sit on the bench and learn.
How is their offensive line looking? If they can consistently run the ball with Chris Johnson and let him throw the ball 10 times a game – Locker might be okay. But yeah – could be a rough game right out of the “chute”.
Wally says
Yes, you caught me on that one, Chas. I’m definitely a math guy. But I know enough to use spellcheck when it’s available. π
Breanna says
I think no matter what happens, they’re still going to want to get rid of Vince Young. The guy has been a loose cannon the past few years; definitely not a team player.