The Facts: After suggesting a willingness to return to the Titans for another season, Collins has decided to retire from the NFL. “After 16 fulfilling years of playing quarterback in the NFL, I am officially announcing my retirement from professional football,” Collins said in a statement released by Athletes First, the agency that represents him.
Diehards Line:Collins went on to explain that his desire to compete on Sundays is still there, but his "willingness to commit to the preparation necessary to play another season has waned to a level that I feel is no longer adequate to meet the demands of the position. ...” Drafted by the Panthers in 1995, Collins has spent the last five seasons with the Titans. He appeared in 10 games, starting seven, in 2010. He also played for the Saints, Giants, and Raiders, leading New York to a berth in Super Bowl XXXV. His decision will almost certainly add to the already increasing speculation the Titans will make a serious run at Seattle free agent QB Matt Hasselbeck to hold down the starting spot there until rookie Jake Locker is ready for the role.