Veteran Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Brandon Stokley plans to retire after this season, his 15th in the NFL, he told the Denver Post.
Stokley, 37, told the Post on Thursday that he met with Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome three weeks ago. After that meeting, Stokley, who was placed on injured reserve on Dec. 10 with a concussion, felt sure of his decision.
"I'm glad I played this year because now I know I'm done," Stokley told the Post. "Had I not played this year I would have always felt I could have kept playing. I still know I can play but my body just can't go through it anymore."
Stokley is one of just 18 receivers in NFL history to play at least 15 seasons. He will finish with 397 receptions for 5,339 yards and 39 touchdowns with the Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks and New York Giants.
Stokley caught a 38-yard touchdown pass from Trent Dilfer in the Ravens' Super Bowl XXXV win, and also has a championship ring from the Colts' Super Bowl XLI victory.
"I think Brandon is the best teammate I've ever had," Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning told the Post. "He's a guy you want on your team in your corner. Fifteen years as a slot receiver in the NFL, going across the middle, taking hits, it's almost unheard of."
