Vince Young has announced his retirement from the NFL, calling it quits three years after he last took a snap in the league.
Young was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2006 draft, and after some early success with the Tennessee Titans, he watched his career fade. Young would move on to the Philadelphia Eagles in a backup role, but failed to find a starting job elsewhere.
Young had not played since the 2011 season.
“I’m retired,” Young told NFL.com . “Unless we get a great opportunity, something guaranteed… I’ve already started moving forward…. It’s definitely official, I think, in my book.”
Young was signed by the Green Bay Packers before last season after a successful workout with the team. It seemed as if he would fill the role of veteran backup to Aaron Rodgers, but failed to make the team and was cut before the season started.
“Thanks to the @packers for the opportunity great organization great team wonderful fans good luck this season,” Young tweeted after he was cut.
Young’s career was marked by flashed of brilliant play on the field, including a strong arm and the ability to make plays with his speed. But he also ran into some problems, including clashes with Titans coach Jeff Fisher and off-the-field problems including poor money management. Young filed for bankruptcy this year, having reportedly blown $26 million.
Vince Young also made waves when he declared the Philadelphia Eagles a “Dream Team” shortly after signing. The team, which many saw as a Super Bowl contender, instead faltered in the 2011 season, including a 1-2 record with Young filling in for the injured Michael Vick.
The next season Young signed with the Buffalo Bills, but after a poor preseason he was cut before the season opener.
Young retired with 8,964 yards and 46 touchdowns.
Vince Young already has plans for more football in his retirement. The former University of Texas quarterback said he plans to work for his alma mater, where he is still beloved by fans. Young was 30-2 as a starter at Texas, including going 13-0 in 2005 and leading the Longhorns to a Rose Bowl win over USC, a team many thought could have been the best of all time.