The Falcons got good news when one veteran starter on their offense, Tony Gonzalez, announced that he is not retiring. Now they’re getting bad news that another veteran starter on their offense, Todd McClure, announced that he is retiring.
Reports surfaced earlier in the offseason that the 36-year-old McClure was planning to call it quits, and on Wednesday night McClure took to Twitter to announce that he has officially made up his mind: His career is over.
Huge thanks to everyone for all there well wishes. I am retiring an Atlanta Falcon. More to come at press conference after owners meetings.
— Todd Mcclure (@ToddMcclure62) March 14, 2013
McClure has become a very reliable player since arriving in Atlanta as a seventh-round draft pick in 1999. Although he suffered a torn ACL that cost him his entire rookie season, he entered the starting lineup in 2000 and hasn’t left it: In the last 12 years McClure has missed just four starts. McClure was also voted a team captain, and his leadership will be tough to replace.