The Facts: Nate Kaeding announced today his retirement from the NFL. Kaeding suffered a groin injury while kicking several days ago and told Iowa City Press-Citizen sports reporter Pat Harty in a phone call that now is the time to move on. "It's not like I can switch the way I kick, or change this way, or use a different muscle," Kaeding said. "Especially for me, and the way I kick, that's the main lever in the kicking motion. It's impossible to avoid it and I've got these chronic issues."
Diehards Line:Kaeding has kicked in the NFL since 2004 with the San Diego Chargers, and briefly with the Miami Dolphins last season. He played at Iowa from 2000 to 2003, earning All-Pro honors twice. He also received the 2002 Lou Groza Award while playing at Iowa. Kaeding had recently signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but will no longer pursue that option.