Testaverde says today’s game is his last

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — After 21 seasons, Vinny Testaverde has had enough.

The 44-year-old quarterback said Saturday that he’ll retire after Carolina’s season finale at Tampa Bay today.

“I just feel like it’s time,” Testaverde said. “Obviously at 44 it does get a little bit tougher as the weeks go by. I’m glad I’m able to do it on my own terms and walk away from the game not only healthy, but to experience some of the things I’ve been through.”

Testaverde was out of the league until the Panthers, desperate for quarterback help after injuries to Jake Delhomme and David Carr, signed him Oct. 10. Four days and only three practices later, Testaverde became the oldest starting QB to win a game when he led the Panthers to a victory at Arizona.

“It’s going to be, for me, one of my special moments in the NFL,” Testaverde said. “To come in with three days of preparation and go out and help a team win a football game and contribute, I’m proud of the fact I was able to do that.”

Testaverde started five more games for Carolina and completed 94-of-172 passes for 952 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions.

But his body wore down late in the season, and he was sidelined by back pain and a right Achilles tendon injury that kept him out of games and practices the past month.

Testaverde said he started contemplating retirement several weeks ago.

“You want to be able to go out there and perform the way you think you can,” Testaverde said. “When you have some things that hinder you from doing that, it makes it tougher.”