NFL QUARTERBACK Donovan McNabb officially ended his career yesterday as a Philadelphia Eagles player after signing a one-day contract.
McNabb, 36, spent 11 years during two spells at the Philadelphia franchise and helped the Eagles to five NFC Championship games, and one Super Bowl.
The Eagles lost the 2005 Super Bowl to the New England Patriots, 24-21, and although McNabb’s career statistics are outstanding, he enjoyed a love-hate relationship with Philadelphia fans.
“Special day,” McNabb said last night. “I’m not one for emotion, but it’s a tough one.”
The second overall pick of the 1999 NFL Draft was traded to the Washington Redskins in 2010, but spent just one season there, before he arrived at the Minnesota Vikings in 2011.
McNabb was released from the Vikings in 2011 and has not played a game since, but wanted to officially retire as an Eagle, stating his intention as early as May.
And he was granted that wish after signing a one-day deal on Sunday. He will be presented to the fans at half-time of their match against the Kansas City Chiefs on 19 September. McNabb retires with 234 NFL touchdowns – the 22nd most in the history of the competition – while he ends as 17th on the career passing list, having thrown for over 37,000 yards.
