With the Ravens' quarterback situation so stunningly altered, it's interesting to considering the rapid decline in the fortunes of a quarterback just a few years removed from Pro Bowl-status.
Today, Culpepper, 31, announced his retirement saying that he was unable to find work.
This is an excerpt from an email he sent explaining his decision: "There was an overwhelming sense that there was no room for me among this year's group of quarterbacks; whether in a starting, competing or a back-up role."
In fact, Culpepper reportedly did have offers from Pittsburgh and Green Bay for backup jobs but the former Viking-Dolphin-Raider decided those weren't for him at the time. Culpepper acts as his own agent and he indicated that his personal approach to representation had something to do with his failure to land an opportunity to compete in a meaningful way for a roster spot.
More likely, it was the serious knee injury he suffered in 2005 and his so-so performances since then. Last year, with a bad Oakland team, he completed 108 of 186 passes for 1,331 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions. It wasn't great but it wasn't horrible either so you wonder if it is true that he is being blackballed because he is considered difficult, or if maybe his asking price simply has been unrealistic.
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