Patrick Kerney Announces Retirement
By author
According to several reports, Patrick Kerney has decided to call it quits. Kerney, 33, has announced his retirement following a successful 11-year career in the National Football League.
“Despite the desire to continue my career, I am retiring from professional football. The toll that has been taken on my body will no longer allow me to train, and hence, perform at a level that is acceptable to me.”
Kerney, who is only 33 years old, has endured several injuries the last five years. Despite problems staying healthy, he has been one of the most consistent pass-rushing threats for Seattle since his arrival in 2007. Kerney had 14.5 sacks and was selected to the Pro Bowl his first season and led all Seattle defenders with 5.0 sacks last year.
In Kerney’s final season in Atlanta, his 105-game starting streak came to an end after suffering a torn pectoral muscle. After joining the Seahawks, he has struggled through several shoulder injuries and other minor problems. He started 16 games in 2007 with Seattle, but injuries limited Kerney and only allowed him to play in 22 games the past two seasons combined.
His presence on defense will definitely be missed and the Seahawks must find a way to replace him. Finding a pass-rushing defensive end was already present on a long list of needs, but now it becomes an even more important priority.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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