Just last week the New Orleans Saints decided to bring Deuce McAllister back as an honorary captain before their divisional game against the Arizona Cardinals. This week McAllister has decided to retire from the NFL.
McAllister has not played since 2008 when the Saints released him then brought him back for last week’s game. His retirement ends an eight-year injury-plagued career for a player who holds the Saints rushing records.
According to The Associated Press, McAllister mentioned his plans to the organization on Tuesday then the Saints announced in an email that he [McAllister] had been placed on the team’s reserve-retired list.
That opens up a roster spot on the team as they prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game in Louisiana on Sunday.
McAllister, who was drafted in 2001 with a first round spot by the Saints, was a great running back that was tough to tackle by the opposition. He played his collegiate football at the University of Mississippi and his hometown Jackson, Miss., supports the Saints.
With 6,096 career rushing yards, McAllister holds that record for the Saints, and his 49 rushing touchdowns and 55 total are also records for the Saints. He is also the only Saint to have four 1,000 yard seasons as a running back. His last of such was in 2006 when he was part of the franchise’s first appearance in the NFC Championship game.
A Pro Bowler in 2002 and 2003, McAllister hopes to remain with the Saints in some capacity throughout the playoffs; hopefully the organization can reward his character and hard work while active with a full time position in the front office.
Having McAllister on the team in some capacity can only help toe organization. McAllister once mentored current backs Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas as both admire the Saints legend.
Writer title/position:
Editor 
Post new comment