ABuccsFan

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...l/14827762.htm

John Welbourn retires from Chiefs
DOUG TUCKER
Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Offensive lineman John Welbourn of the Kansas City Chiefs said Thursday he is retiring from the NFL, effective immediately.

Welbourn, 30, was traded to the Chiefs from Philadelphia in 2004 after coming into the league as a fourth-round draft choice in 1999.

He was hampered much of his first year in Kansas City with a knee injury. This year he would have competed with newly signed Kyle Turley and Chiefs veterans Jordan Black and Kevin Sampson for playing time at right tackle. He was suspended the first four games of 2005 for violation of the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

"I decided to retire on my own terms rather than somebody else's," Welbourn told The Associated Press. "It was awesome playing in the NFL. I got to play with a lot of great athletes, Will Shields, Willie Roaf, to name a few. I've been playing football for 16 years and it's a little scary to think I won't be playing any more. But at the same time, it's exciting to think I'll be starting a whole new chapter in my life."

Welbourn, who has nearly completed work on a graduate degree in education, said he planned to enroll in law school. He said he would be filing the paperwork on his retirement with the NFL office.

"I discussed this with the Chiefs a couple of weeks ago," said Welbourn, who participated in last month's minicamp but has been unhappy that the Chiefs would not renegotiate terms of his contract.

A Chiefs spokesman said the team had received a fax from Welbourn's representative indicating "his desire to pursue his studies."

In case Welbourn should change his mind, the Chiefs will keep him on the active roster for the time being.

He was primarily a left guard in five years at Philadelphia, where he played in three NFC championship games.

"It's weird thinking I won't be playing football any more," he said. "Most guys play until they can't play any more. But I feel good physically and I've been playing well. I'm leaving on a high note."




That's some key depth for them gone now.

exide99ride

Welborn was not impressive in KC, glad to see him go.

ABuccsFan

He may not be have lived up to the standard set be previous Chiefs lineman, but that is valuable experience and depth at a position on many teams that is usually inexperienced.

Most teams' back up lineman are rookies or second year players.

Professor

welbourne missed so many games in the past couple years, that the chiefs will hardly even notice he is gone. seriously, this has little to no affect on the chiefs line. Compund that with the signing of Kyle Turley, and he will not be missed at all.

exide99ride

I agree with you.

vikingsfan2006

he was old no surprise

Professor

I remember when he was on the eagles and he played well, but it was his time to go.

Carbo04

Meh, no big deal.

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Professor

supposedly herm is not giving up on that welbourne might return at some point during camp, I say why? LOL