The Franchise
07-27-2009, 10:51 AM
Ravens WR Bennett retires 2 days after signing
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9856938/Ravens-WR-Bennett-retires-2-days-after-signing
BALTIMORE (AP) - Ravens wide receiver Drew Bennett announced his retirement Sunday night, just two days after signing with Baltimore in an effort to rekindle his NFL career.
Bennett agreed to a one-year deal after a tryout Friday. But he aggravated an old knee injury during the workout, and after returning home to Nashville, Tenn., the 30-year-old receiver decided to quit.
"A previous knee injury flared up, making me realize that I am unable to play another NFL season," Bennett said in statement distributed by his agent, Steve Caric. "Therefore, I have decided to retire from the National Football League."
Bennett's decision comes after Derrick Mason surprised the Ravens by announcing his retirement on July 13. Although Mason has left open the possibility of returning, Baltimore is currently very slim at the wide receiver position.
The 6-foot-5 Bennett played one game with St. Louis last year because of a foot injury. Over an eight-year career, he has 307 catches for 4,412 yards.
He expected to add to those numbers this season, but things didn't work out as planned.
"The Ravens are a first-class organization that I was truly excited to join," Bennett said. "After an offseason of workouts and rehab, I thought I was ready to play again, but it became apparent over this weekend that while my mind is willing, my body will not be able to make it through another NFL season.
"I have been blessed to have the opportunity to play in the NFL for as long as I have, but it is time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life."
Bennett's most productive season was in 2004, when he had 80 catches for 1,247 yards and 11 touchdowns with Tennessee.
When the Ravens open training camp Monday, their most accomplished receivers will be Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9856938/Ravens-WR-Bennett-retires-2-days-after-signing
BALTIMORE (AP) - Ravens wide receiver Drew Bennett announced his retirement Sunday night, just two days after signing with Baltimore in an effort to rekindle his NFL career.
Bennett agreed to a one-year deal after a tryout Friday. But he aggravated an old knee injury during the workout, and after returning home to Nashville, Tenn., the 30-year-old receiver decided to quit.
"A previous knee injury flared up, making me realize that I am unable to play another NFL season," Bennett said in statement distributed by his agent, Steve Caric. "Therefore, I have decided to retire from the National Football League."
Bennett's decision comes after Derrick Mason surprised the Ravens by announcing his retirement on July 13. Although Mason has left open the possibility of returning, Baltimore is currently very slim at the wide receiver position.
The 6-foot-5 Bennett played one game with St. Louis last year because of a foot injury. Over an eight-year career, he has 307 catches for 4,412 yards.
He expected to add to those numbers this season, but things didn't work out as planned.
"The Ravens are a first-class organization that I was truly excited to join," Bennett said. "After an offseason of workouts and rehab, I thought I was ready to play again, but it became apparent over this weekend that while my mind is willing, my body will not be able to make it through another NFL season.
"I have been blessed to have the opportunity to play in the NFL for as long as I have, but it is time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life."
Bennett's most productive season was in 2004, when he had 80 catches for 1,247 yards and 11 touchdowns with Tennessee.
When the Ravens open training camp Monday, their most accomplished receivers will be Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams.