Redskins linebacker London Fletcher announced that the 2013 season will most likely be his last, NBC Sports reported on Wednesday.
London Fletcher says he's "99 percent certain" he's retiring at end of year http://t.co/b7ufa7tepE
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 18, 2013
The veteran linebacker has played 16 seasons in the NFL with the Rams, Bills and, for the last seven seasons, the Washington Redskins. Fletcher won Super Bowl XXXIV with St. Louis in 2000.
He’s put together a remarkable career, which began without much promise in 1999 as an undrafted free agent out of Division III John Carroll University. However, Fletcher quickly earned his stripes by becoming one of two rookie free agents to make the Rams roster. In 1999, he became the team’s starting linebacker — and the rest is history.
With 254 consecutive games played and 213 consecutive starts — both NFL records for a linebacker — Fletcher is one of the NFL’s true iron men. He also made four consecutive Pro Bowls (2009-2012) with the Redskins.
Is he a Hall of Famer? Mike Shanahan seems to think so.
RT @NBCdianna: Shanahan: I dont think there is any question he is a Hall of Famer" #Redskins http://t.co/azM9lhdtUz
— NBCWashington (@nbcwashington) December 18, 2013
It’s been a disappointing year for the 3-11 Redskins, who have lost six straight games and currently sit at the bottom of the NFC East.
Fletcher, 38, says his decision to retire is simply about spending more time with his family and has nothing to do with the team’s struggles.
LB @LFletcher59 says record not factor in decision. Wants to spend time with wife, 3 kids: "I'm missing parts of their life." #HTTR
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) December 18, 2013
Washington plays its final home game of the season against the division-rival Cowboys on Sunday. Despite being long eliminated from playoff contention, Mike Shanahan’s team is primed to secure a victory for Fletcher in his last game at FedExField.
Cousins on @LFletcher59: "We would love to have him walk off that field for the last time–if it will be his last time–with a victory."
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) December 18, 2013
Shanahan wants win for @LFletcher59, expects No. 59 to set tone: "He's going to prepare for it like it's the Super Bowl." #HTTR
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) December 18, 2013
LB @LFletcher59 motivated to leave fans with iconic win vs DAL: "What we put on display vs. Kansas City, that hurt me to my core."
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) December 18, 2013