Will Testaverde Ever Retire?

I think Vinny Testaverde will play forever. He keeps signing contracts, hoping to finally capture that elusive ring. His best shot was last season while he was a member of the Patriots, but he couldn't do much sitting on the bench as New England blew an eighteen point lead to the Indianapolis Colts.

Testaverde won the Heisman Trophy the same year I was born (1986). He was supposed to be this awesome quarterback. He's had a few decent seasons, including 1996 with the Ravens, in which he threw for over 4,000 yards. The seasons he played with the Jets are what I remember the most when I hear Testaverde's name. He played well, especially in 1998, when he led the Jets to the AFC Championship Game.

When he led the Jets to a touchdown on their first drive of the 1999 campaign against the Patriots, I thought this team was well on their way. Not too many times in my life can I say that I've been optimistic about the Jets, but this was a rare occurance. Then the artificial turf at Giants Stadium ended Testaverde's season, as he tore his Achilles' tendon and crushed my dreams of a championship.

Testaverde's most memorable attempt at returning from the injury was his short stint with the Dallas Cowboys. It proved unsuccessful as Testaverde and the Cowboys failed to make the postseason and finished the season 6-10. Playing under Bill Parcells once again, Testaverde certainly showed his age.

Despite his age, Testaverde keeps on keepin' on and I admire him for that. With Jake Delhomme and David Carr sidelined because of injury, Testaverde gets another chance to shine as he will look to lead the Panthers against the unbeaten Indianapois Colts this weekend. He will have the home fans behind him, but it's going to be a tough test for Testaverde. If the Panthers pull of an amazing upset, it would be the story of the weekend. I really hope it happens, but I just don't think it will. My prediction: Colts 33 Panthers 14.

I don't watch a lot of college football, but I did catch highlights of the Boston College game against Virginia Tech. In my opinion, Matt Ryan reminds me of Testaverde in the way his body is built and the way he drops back to pass. I'm sure people out there think I'm nuts, but that's for you to decide. I'm out.

Shawn Marosek