Daunte Culpepper, Retired Star QB and UCF Alum to Return to NFL

Daunte Culpepper, the most prolific passer in UCF history and former NFL Pro Bowler, who had previously retired at the age of 31, is considering making a comeback to the NFL.

He originally made a statement on September 5th, giving reasons for his retirement.

"After taking a long look at my career and my personal convictions, I have decided to begin early retirement from the NFL effective immediately".  He went on to say that while he had a couple of one year offers from the Steelers and Packers, he wasn't guaranteed an opportunity to compete for the starting job.  Most teams told him that they would keep him on the short list and if their starter was injured he'd be the first one called.

This didn't sit well with Duante, as he stated in his retirement announcement: "Since the beginning of training camp I was told that my opportunity would come when a quarterback gets hurt. I cannot remember the last time so many QB's have been injured during the preseason. I have been strongly encouraged from family, friends and league personnel to continue to be patient and wait for an inevitable injury to one of the starting quarterbacks in the league. I would rather shut the door to such "opportunity" than continue to wait for one of my fellow quarterbacks to suffer a serious injury.  

Sitting on the sidelines watching this season from afar, while knowing he could be playing and helping a team win likely was eating at him.

Apparently, numerous teams have been contacting him about the possibility of returning this season and Daunte is listening.

The NCAA record holder for completion percentage in a season at 73.6%, would likely be a welcome addition to teams missing their main signal caller.

In an e-mail, Daunte said, "A number of teams have contacted me since my retirement announcement and have provided some important information that has caused me to reconsider returning to the league."

"As much as I have enjoyed my brief break from playing, I know that I love the game and I have some unfinished business in the NFL. It has never been because of a lack of passion for the game but rather the absence of a fair opportunity to complete and play that caused me to retire.

"Now that there are some real opportunities that match my desire to play, I will choose the one that is the best fit for both the team and me so that I can continue my NFL career. For the second half of this season, I hope to play a role in helping a team win some games. I want to thank all of those who encouraged me to 'keep a light on' for the right NFL opportunity that would eventually come back to me," he said. 

During his career, Culpepper completed 1,867 of 2,927 passes for 22,422 yards and 142 touchdowns. His career quarterback rating was a lofty 89.9, and he was a three-time Pro Bowl selection. His best season was in 2004 when he threw for 4,717 yards and 39 touchdowns for the Vikings.