SPORTS DIGEST

Saints TE Ben Watson says he plans to retire

METAIRIE, La.

New Orleans Saints veteran tight end Ben Watson announced on Thursday that he’s retiring after this season.

Watson turned 38 this month and is in his 14th NFL season out of Georgia.

“I knew coming into this year that it probably would be the last year,” Watson said. “Our approach was as a family we were fortunate to come and play for another year, but you kind of know. You hope you get to exit on your own terms.”

Watson has caught 33 passes for 371 yards and two touchdowns this season, helping the Saints capture the top playoff seed in the NFC.

After one of his touchdowns, Watson, a father of five, celebrated by holding up seven fingers, signaling that twins were on the way.

Watson began his NFL career with New England in 2004 and also has played for Cleveland and Baltimore. He has 5,856 yards and 44 TDs receiving in his career.