Mark Brunell, without question the greatest quarterback the Jacksonville Jaguars franchise has ever had, is calling his football career over after 17 seasons. Now 41, Brunell spent nine seasons with the Jaguars before being traded to the Redskins at age 33 for a third round draft selection. After three seasons in Washington, Brunell had two-year stints with each the Saints and the Jets before hanging up the cleats for good.
"Most guys that have trouble leaving the game are in their 20s," Brunell told Gene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union. "I've been preparing for football to be over with for quite some time."
A three time Pro Bowler during his time with the Jaguars (1996, 1997, 1999), Brunell retires with the 31st most career passing yards (32,072) and 43rd most career passing touchdowns (184).
Brunell told Frenette that he plans on moving back to Jacksonville now that his football career in New York is over.
UPDATE: Or not?
"@ItsOasus: @M_Brunell8 is it true that you're retiring?" Nope.
— Mark Brunell (@M_Brunell8) April 24, 2012