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Former Giants Quarterback, Super Bowl XXXV Goat Kerry Collins Retires

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) — Former Giants quarterback Kerry Collins is retiring from the NFL after 16 seasons in the league, his agent announced Thursday.

"The past several months have brought on much introspection, and I have decided that while my desire to compete on Sundays is still and always will be there, my 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," Collins said in a statement.

As a starter, Collins lead his team to the playoffs four times, including a Super Bowl XXXV appearance with the Giants in the 2000 season. Collins was intercepted four times in the 34-7 loss to Baltimore.

In one of the worst losses in Giants history, Collins completed 15 of 39 passes for 112 yards and a dismal passer rating of 7.1.

In his statement, Collins said he was fortunate to have played for late Giants co-owner Wellington Mara, longtime Penn State coach Joe Paterno, Raiders owner Al Davis and Titans owner Bud Adams.

"I would like to thank all of those coaches, players and other team personnel along the way who have shaped me both personally and professionally," Collins said. "I want to wish Mike Munchak and the Tennessee Titans the best of luck in the future. I have had a fantastic five years here, and my family and I look forward to remaining part of the Middle Tennessee community that has been extremely gracious towards us and an honor to play for."

Collins, 38, was facing free agency after his contract expired in March, though he said as recently as last month that he still wanted to play. Tennessee has said it plans to trade or release quarterback Vince Young after the NFL lockout ends, which would leave just this year's eighth-overall draft pick, Jake Locker, and Rusty Smith, a sixth-round pick in last year's draft, on the roster at the position.

Collins shared the stage with Young in his final season despite suffering injuries to his middle finger and thumb. Collins took over for good after Young suffered a season-ending injury to his right thumb on Nov. 21, though the Titans only won one of their final six games.

"Kerry had a great NFL career and we have been very fortunate to have had him with our organization for the last five years," Titans coach Mike Munchak said in a statement. "I really enjoyed working with him. He was a true pro, who loved the game. His work ethic and commitment were a great example to his teammates of what it took to be successful in this league."

In 195 career games, Collins maintained a 55.8 completion percentage and threw for 40,441 yards, 206 touchdowns and 195 interceptions.

He was the fifth overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 1995 NFL draft after playing at Penn State. He also played for the New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders.

What was your clearest memory from the Collins years in New York? Sound off in the comments below...

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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