42-Year-Old Flutie Is Released by Chargers
Doug Flutie was released by the San Diego Chargers on Friday, a move that probably marked the end of the road for the undersized quarterback whose pro career spanned two decades.
Flutie, 42, was the NFL’s oldest quarterback at the end of last season. He said last year that he’d probably retire if the Chargers released him because he didn’t want to relocate his family again. He played 20 seasons in the pros: eight in the Canadian Football League, one in the now-defunct United States Football League and 11 in the NFL. He was due a $300,000 roster bonus from the Chargers on Tuesday.
“There are no hard feelings; it’s a mutual parting,” he said in a statement released by the team. “It’s the right thing for me. It opens up other doors of opportunity for me if I want. Rather than retiring outright, I wanted to be released so I could pursue other things if they arise.”
He is said to be interested in pursuing a broadcasting career.
Perhaps best remembered for his 48-yard “Hail Mary” touchdown pass that lifted Boston College to a 47-45 upset victory over Miami, the 5-foot-10 Flutie passed for 58,150 yards as a pro, making him one of just six players in pro football history to surpass 50,000 yards.
Flutie, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1984, won three Grey Cup championships and was chosen the CFL’s outstanding player a record six times. His record as an NFL starter is 37-28.
Three quarterbacks remain on the roster: Drew Brees, Philip Rivers and Cleo Lemon.
-- Sam Farmer
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The New York Jets signed Jay Fiedler, hoping the quarterback can provide experience and depth behind Chad Pennington. He received a five-year deal with $1.3 million guaranteed, including a $500,000 signing bonus, said his agent, Brian Levy.
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The Cincinnati Bengals waived cornerback Dennis Weathersby, who didn’t play last season after sustaining a head injury in a car accident in April.... A week after receiving a $9-million signing bonus, Dallas Cowboy offensive lineman Marco Rivera underwent surgery to repair a bulging disk in his lower back. He’s expected to return in time for training camp.... Free-agent quarterback Mike McMahon signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.... The Kansas City Chiefs signed safety Sammy Knight to a five-year contract. Knight was a starter for the Miami Dolphins the last two seasons.... The Dolphins re-signed backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels to a one-year deal.
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Associated Press contributed to this report.
