Kordell & Kevin

It was a footnote in the news, but former Pittsburgh Steelers QB Kordell Stewart wanted to finally retire as a Steeler. He signed a one day contract with the team to finally retire after not playing in the NFL since 2005. He hung on for his final two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, but never threw a pass in a game.

There was always talk up through the 2008 season of a return, but it never happened. He has done some analyst works for ESPN and college football, but finally wanted closure in his NFL career.

Players rarely leave the game on their own terms. We are seeing this with former Pats RB Kevin Faulk, a free agent with 13 seasons under his belt. He wants to keep playing, but it's a question of whether any team wants him. The Pats have not offered him a contract. They are at the point where they don't really need him at his age.

He was on the 53 man roster for the Super Bowl, but was not activated for the game. That was a tell-tale sign. Faulk has been a good soldier for the team, but time has run out on him.

I predict, at some point before the season, that the team will hold a press conference to announce his retirement. He will be 36 years old next week, an ancient age for a NFL running back. It's all over for a great player.