http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...v=st&type=lgns
Bears CB-KR Azumah announces retirement
March 23, 2006
LAKE FOREST, Illinois - Neck and hip injuries forced Jerry Azumah to announce his retirement after a seven-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears.
A cornerback, nickel back and kick returner, Azumah suffered the second neck injury of his career in the Bears' 29-21 divisional playoff loss against Carolina in January.
Azumah, 28, missed the first four games of the 2004 season after undergoing neck surgery for the first time. After the playoff loss against Carolina, he also underwent right hip surgery.
Last season, Azumah started just one game at cornerback and was used mostly at nickel back. He had 45 tackles, one sack and six passes defensed.
A fifth-round pick in 1999, Azumah started 49 of 105 games at cornerback. He made the Pro Bowl as a kick returner in 2003 after averaging 29.0 yards with two touchdowns. Azumah recorded four interceptions in 2003 and 2004.
The Bears on Thursday also matched a four-year offer sheet tendered to defensive end Israel Idonije by the Buffalo Bills.
Updated on Thursday, Mar 23, 2006 1:47 pm EST