Former Saints’ safety Darren Sharper calls it quits – NFL News
Darren Sharper has decided to call it quits on a glittering career. Born on November 3, 1975 the former New Orleans Saints safety had offers from a number of franchises for his services but has decided that retirement is the best
option.
Sources revealed the news to ESPN insider Adam Schefter on Monday with the safety looking at other opportunities for the future and hanging his boots for good.
Sharper was on New Orleans Saints roster for the last two seasons signing one year contracts. He was limited to just a bit part player in his last season playing just eight games and starting only one of those after a micro fracture
surgery on his left knee in the off season. Sharper struggled for form and was let go by the Saints at the end of the season after failing to get a single interception for just the second time in his magnificent career.
The ex-safety was a round 2 draft pick for Green Bay Packers in 1997 where he spent eight years before moving on to division rivals Minnesota Vikings in 2005. He had a huge impact for Vikings spending four successful years in Minnesota
with 18 interceptions, 250 tackles, 359 interception yards, three touchdowns and a sack.
Released by Vikings in 2009, Sharper moved to National Football Conference South franchise New Orleans Saints on a one year deal where he had his most successful first year and would re-sign for Saints for 2010. Sharper helped
Saints win their first Super Bowl after beating Indianapolis Colts 31-17. The safety was also selected for the Pro-Bowl and an All-Pro selection.
The 2010 season was a watershed moment in Sharper’s career as he missed the first six games of the season recovering from a micro fracture on his left knee. Subsequent rebounds severely reduced his playing time with Saints eventually
deciding to let him go.
Sharper ends his career with 205 NFL games under his belt making 943 tackles and 63 interceptions. The safety also scored 11 touchdowns. He has won the Super Bowl once and was a five time Pro Bowl selection and six times All-Pro.
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