After failing to latch on with an NFL team since 2011, Vince Young has decided to call it a career.
The enigmatic quarterback told Brent Carney of KXAN-TV in Austin, Texas, of his intentions to retire from the NFL, just one month after the Brownsreleased him following a 12-day stint.Â
"It's definitely official I think in my book," Young said Saturday. "Unless we get a great opportunity, something guaranteed ... other than that I've started moving forward in some things."
Young said he plans to go work for the University of Texas in some capacity, the school he led to a BCS National Championship in 2005 while setting numerous university and BCS records.
After the title win, Young sprung up draft boards and was selected by the Tennessee Titans No. 3 overall in the 2006 draft. He was impressive out of the gate, using the same skills he displayed at Texas -- arm strength, speed and athleticism -- to take defenses by storm. He was the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year and also earned Pro Bowl nod.
Young made the Pro Bowl again in 2009, but was released by the Titans following the 2010 season after an altercation with Jeff Fisher.
Young backed up Michael Vick in Philly in 2011, starting three games, but wasn't re-signed. He was on the offseason rosters of the Bills (2012) and Packers (2013), but he never played another NFL down.
Young's running ability posed a dangerous element to defenses, but he had a propensity for erratic play and glaring mistakes. Ultimately, Young's career unraveled due to off-field problems and a reputation as a coach-killer.
In 2008, an emotionally distraught Young disappeared from his home and couldn't be found for four hours in a bizarre episode. Young was apparently upset after being booed by fans at home, and Fisher eventually called police.
"I had my ups and downs," Young said. "I made the mistake of getting in to it with my coach and that kind of hurt me a whole lot. When you go to different teams, they already have a bad perception of you. When that's out there, there's nothing you can do."
The QB leaves the game with a starting record of 31-19. He passed for just shy of 9,000 career yards with 46 touchdowns passes (he rushed for 12 more) and 51 interceptions.
In the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the heroes talk "Hard Knocks" before delving into a new batch of rookie whispers.
