Warren Sapp tells Raiders he's retiring

The Associated Press is reporting that former Buc defensive tackle Warren Sapp has announced his retirement:

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Warren Sapp told the Oakland Raiders on Thursday that he was retiring, ending the career of one of the best defensive tackles to play in the NFL.

Sapp told the Contra Costa Times that he phoned Raiders owner Al Davis with the news Thursday. The Raiders had no official comment, but coach Lane Kiffin hinted at Sapp's decision earlier this week.

Sapp, 35, was the quintessential "three technique" tackle during his 13-year career, lining up between the guard and tackle and splitting that gap. Few did it better than Sapp, who made seven Pro Bowls, won the AP Defensive Player of the Year award in 1999, and was a key cog in Tampa Bay's Super Bowl winning defense in the 2002 season.

Click here to read more from the AP.

Comments

[frank]

"the blob" should have retired about 6 years ago when he was still good. well, i take that back, maybe he was working to get extra cash for his brood. wait, i take that back, he denies any of those children are his. he's a great man.

[yo]

what great memories he gave in tampa bay. the most dominating player in the nfl in his prime there was no one who could take games over like he could. As a d tackle as i am who played college football i have so much much respect for what he could do as rushing the passer. just a player who comes around once in a generation

[Man Up Sapp]

Sapp will be broke in 2 years and his numerous illegitimate children will never benefit from the millions he's made while ignoring them....

[TB 1976er]

Instead a farewell tour for one of the league's best defensive players, NFL champion and MVP, Big 99 gets a little after-the-fact retirement blurb on the wire.

Memo to Warren: Nobody cares.

This big blob went for the money and what did he get? He became a member of a losing organization which has had three head coaches the last three years.

Nice move Big Man.

I guess in the end Sapp got what he deserved: to labor in obscurity in a far away place in front of fans who never got to experience his uniqueness at the peak of his career.

I hope that money was worth a place in Canton. You aren't getting in without paying admission.

[M. Reynolds]

Hm jackass fans much? Warren's going to Canton and deserves it. Despite the Tampa haters. Go back to screaming at your kids during youth soccer games.

[Ben]

Whether anyone likes it or not, Sapp had one of the most unique personalities in the history of the game with dominating talent. Yeah, he was a jackass, but we love him for it. Admit it!

[Andy]

I don't know that it makes you a hater to point out that Sapp left the Bucs for more money, and his years of obscuriy in Oakland may cost him the Hall of Fame - I think that's a realistic assessment. Sapp was an incredible player at one time, but he may be judged ultimately as a system guy (much like Barber - unfairly I might add) since his impact with the Raiders was so small. Farewell Warren...I always loved watching you play and wish you could have ended your career in Tampa Bay.

[Mike]

I had no problem with the Bucs letting Sapp go a few years ago. He was not worth 6.5 million a year. But he had a fine season last year - racking up 10 sacks - and the Bucs have missed HIM on the line of scrimmage. Even if his statistics didn't show it, he demanded a double-team on every play. That usually freed up another player. Notice our sack totals - or lack thereof - since he's been gone?

The Bucs' only mistake in letting him go was thinking that McFarland could take his place.

[Stephen Holder]

First, Just an honest question here -- seriously: Why does everyone hate on athletes for wanting to get paid more? If someone offered me more money somewhere else, I owe it to myself and my family to think about that opportunity long and hard. You'd do the same thing. To say otherwise is ridiculous. This goes beyond Sapp, and I'm not even getting into his character or anything. That's a different topic. It's just the money issue is something that always bothers me when I hear people say it. Hey, the athletes get used by billionaire owners. Why shouldn't they get their piece of the pie? As for the Bucs' decision to let him go, well, let's just say they're still trying to replace him. What's that tell you?

Stephen,

"and I'm not even getting into his character or anything. That's a different topic."

You felt compelled to write a kiss up blog about the money issue, why not write one about the "different topic" too?

here's a start: warren sapp was a king "fill in the blank" off the field.

[Joe Simmons (Slow Joe)]

My understanding was that Sapp didn't leave for more money..he left for an actual JOB. I thought the Bucs simply weren't interested in re-signing him after his contract expired.

Whatever the case: Thanks for the memories, Warren.

[Jesse]

Whatever anyone thinks of Warren Sapp on or off the field, the Bucs could not have won a Superbowl without him. Is there a possibility of him signing with the Bucs for one day, so that he can retire a Buccaneer? Yes, he left Tampa for the money, and yes, the Bucs were not willing the re-sign him. Still, even when he was with Oakland, he said that he bled pewter.

As for actual memories and not juvenile name calling, I remember a MNF game against Green Bay as a favorite. The Bucs won and the last play was a sack from Sapp on Favre. Perfect ending.

Loved seeing him jaw with Farve. The pics of him in Green Bay, losing his helmet and still going after Favre. Awesome.

[Hurricane Andrew]

All of you Warren Sapp bashers be sure to remember your words today when he's elected to the HoF. I suppose having one of the best tackles in NFL history on your team, or more acurately, your Super Bowl-winning team, is meaningless because he took another job or because he was not the nicest guy off the field. GTFU.

[Chet]

I've been a Buccaneer fan through the worst times and when Sapp came to the Bucs (still in the creamsicle colors), it was the start of a new era (a winning one). I don't look to associate with the players on a team, I like to keep my opinions of the Bucs to what I watch on TV. If I were to dislike the NFL players for all the off field activities, it would be hard for me to root for anyone (save John Lynch). But honestly, many of these guys are not good guys off the field, it's what he gave us on the field (as well as some good jabs at Strahan in interviews). The rivalry with Favre, the change in attitude of the team.

I never would want to meet Warren Sapp, but I sure did enjoy watching him play each Sunday. By the way, can we all hate Brady for his 2 kids out of wedlock?

[scooterbucs]

Sapp will be in a broadcast booth or on a pregame show next year. He was never afraid to speak his mind (unless some dumb@$$ reporter asked him a stupid question). I thought the Bucs should have kept Sapp for his on-the-field leadership. My problem with Sapp is that he's a hypocrit. Sapp said in 2003 (his last year with the Bucs); "My preference is to be where I'm wanted and appreciated. I don't care about the money." http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/bucs/2003-12-19-sapp-future_x.htm
Then as Sapp was close to signing a 4 year $4 million deal with the Bengals (a better fit defensively), he takes Oaklands more lucrative contract with a $7 million signing bonus and a 3-4 defense. Also, when Hardy Nickerson left the Bucs to sign with the Jags for more money, Sapp said Hardy was nothing more than a mercinary and should have taken the Bucs lower offer. That's my problem with Sapp taking the bigger jackpot. And don't even get me started on running into him on the streets...

[Tim]

Maybe he and Chidi can open a used car lot together... They have enough kids between them to field a pee wee football team... Let's see.. what other stupid insults can I throw in ???
Bottom line is he was as good as there was back in the day.. He was always thankful for the Bucs taking a chance on him when they drafted him. (after the pot thing)..He played hard every down..
He was just an @#%hole off the field..
If they give extra points for personality when they vote for HoF, he may be selling that '82 Buick LeSabre with Chidi.. Hope he moved to Miami.. we have seen enough of his crap in Tampa...

[Jay]

This is the most ungrateful sorry sack of posters I've ever seen on this site, and you should all be ashamed of yourselves.

Personality or not, Warren Sapp was the best DT this team, had or will ever have in the near future. Taking cheap shots at his personal life are just juvenile and ridiculous attempts to discredit everything he did on the field. It was an honor to have him on this team, and I'm a huge fan of his. Everyone else can go kiss up to Haynesworth, who still isn't close to the player Sapp was in his prime.

[Matt]

This comment thread should be preserved as evidence that any idiot can learn to use a computer.

[marc]

all i remember is that he was a fan hater

[marc]

no hall for fan haters u dont respect fans we dont respect u

[Nate Dogg]

Warren Sapp:

Best DT in Bucs history...a hall of famer...the end.

Ya ya ya...we all know about his "a-hole" personality, but last time I checked nobody here is perfect. I would never shake his hand, but at the same time, you gotta respect what he brought to the table game in, game out. Get ready for your jacket measurements, Mr. Sapp!

[Michael Harris]

Too bad most of the posters here, don't have a true appreciation for the NFL game and its talent. The Bucs organization needs to contact Sapps agent and sign Saap, so he can retire a Buc. It's the right thing to do. Warren Saap will be in the Hall of Fame; and he should be in there as a Buc. He helped make this team historical. Without Saap, the Bucs would not have won the Super Bowl. What's right is right.

[Arun]

I'll always miss the QB KILLA. When he was in shape he was dominate, plain and simple! Thanks for helping turn this franchise around.

[Todd C]

GREAT player, but an a-hole of a person! As of 2003 he had four kids w/ three different weomen, only two with his wife. I often saw him out on the town, and what a jerk!!! Sapp, with all your new free-time why don't you try to do the right thing and finally become a father to those kids you brought into this world. You've got the money to be a part of their lives, or are you still to interested in hanging out patying with Tijay? Be a man finally and accept your responsibilities!

[BucsFanSinceDayOne]

Sapp clearly was just fun to watch on the field when he was here. We forgave him the fact that he was from the University of Miami, we forgave him his off-the-field indiscretions and his on-the-field 'trash-talking'. He added a spark to the game - few players can do that. Both he and John Lynch should have finished their careers as Bucs!

[Mike]

Stephen, there is no problem with an athlete wanting more money. That being said, there's also no problem with a team saying "hey, we don't think you're worth what that."

But hindsight is 20/20. Like I said, the Bucs thought McFarland could replace Sapp, when in reality, he couldn't even replace Brad Culpepper.

[Lee]

If there is an 'A-Hole' Hall Of Fame, Sapp should be the first inducted. His football talent was far overshadowed by his antics. As far as the NFL owners being "billionaires"? GET A GRIP! Many of you work for corporations with CEO's who can make a billionaire list. Do you whine about THEM making too much and you not making enough? Haaaaaaa! As far as NFL players who retire, how about the college education they "earned"?

[DR]

To the idiot Sapp haters: Get over it. Don't visit Canton, Ohio in 10 years because Sapp will and should be there. You guys obviously haven't watched football since Sapp did have good years in Oakland. As for the money, like Stephen said, who doesn't take the money? I know one player who took a lesser contract, John Lynch, and oh yeah, the Bucs cut him anyway. Great classless organization to play for. What did Sapp miss in Tampa while he was gone? 3 piss poor seasons and one fluke playoff appearance. I think Tampa missed Sapp more than Sapp missing Tampa.
-DR

[Jim]

Unfortunately for Sapp, he forgot that one day he was going to have to step aside. He didn't make any friends climbing up the ladder, so guess what you have no friends waiting to embrace you, now that you've fallen off the ladder. Sapp has a terrible ego and attitude. He's a bad example of to our youth. He's rude, arrogant and if you ask me, I wouldn't watch a show that he was hosting, because he's a thug punk.

[Dan]

Warren "99" was a great warrior, he was my worrior and I expected him to be as mean and nasty as possible. He was the BEST that I had ever seen. He is sorely missed on Sunday's in Raymond James but I know he'll be in the Hall of Fame as soon as he's elligible. At $6 Million a year for the past decade, I would hope he doesn't need to take any more bumps or bruises in his future... Maybe a sports caster or a coach?

[Richard Hill]

I didn't think that "hired slaves" could retire!!!

[Pete Bogs]

In sports and entertainment, "retire" actual translates to "take a year or two off." For the rest of us it means "stop working for good."

[steve]

On the money Jay....we all knw warren was an ahole off the field. But on the field one of the best to play at his position. Sack record alone at his spot warrants Hall of Fame

[James]

He'll be a Buc by Week 1.

Why are the hate for Sapp? The man was a beast and one of the reasons why Dungy was able to turn the ship around and end years of the "Yuccaneers." He was the best DT we've ever had (and arguably among the best in the NFL...EVER). He's a HOF player and will only be the 2nd Buc there. Thanks for all of those great plays (and great memories), Warren.

[bucs fan 4 life]

I'm disappointed in some of you for taking personal shots at the man. He was one of the best DT ever to play the game and he will be missed around the league. I wish I could be a reported and write about all the dumbs things most of us say and do.Espcially when when you stick your foot in your mouth. Rather you like him as a person or not is not the issue. He was the best at what he did and when he was here I'm sure most of you cheered him on every time he rushed and sacked a QB. I'm sure most of you laughed at him when he made funny comments. So give him his just do and stop hating. If you are a true fan of the game respect what he did on the field and leave the petty coments to your self. Good luck in future projects #99!!!!!

[Al]

I'm hoping that the Bucs give Sapp and Lynch "sign and retire" contracts to let them end their careers as Bucs. Love them or hate them off the field, along with Brooks and Alstott they were instrumental to this team's Super Bowl.

[John P]

Warren was an absolutely dominant player in his prime. He's a hall of famer, most likely, and a hell of a difference maker. No, he wasn't about kissing babies and playing nice to opponents or the media - but so what? I'll take the Warren Sapps of the world over nice guys like McFarland any day.

[Brandon]

If Sapp should have retired 6 years ago (2001 for the dummies that suggested it) how did he manage to get nearly 10 sacks last season? Because he was so fat? Anybody that has hardfeeling for Sapp is not really a Buc fan. Sapp, Brooks and Lynch built this franchise into a contender and SB Champ. Sapp will go to Canton just like the other 2 of Sam Wyche's big 3.

[DR]

Warren Sapp made the Tampa 2 work. A great DT who demanded double coverage, took away pressure from the ends and made them better. As any good fan knows, the Tampa 2 starts with the defensive line and Sapp was the key piece every year he was on that line. Simeon Rice doesn't have the years he had without Sapp. There is nothing worse for most QB's to have their pocket collapse in front of them and that is what happened many times when Sapp was there. The Bucs DE would be better with Sapp right now. The Bucs defensive line might be the big reason why they lose the game this weekend.
It's funny how these guys dog Sapp, but give Gruden a pass because Gruden supposedly is the reason why they won the Super Bowl. If Gruden was the reason why they won a Super Bowl, why does he have a losing record ever since?

[Laura]

You Sapp haters are sad. Are you going to say the same about John Lynch when he retires because he left the team. I hated to see both of these players go. Sapp was great and I loved watching him play. Games against Green Bay were my favorite. Sapp became a different player when he played Favre. Will miss him and can't wait to see him in the HOF.

[RICH]

Thanks for the great games MR. SAPP. YOU ARE THE BEST "DT" WE EVER HAD...PERIOD. Hope to see ya in the HALL OF FAME as a BUCCANNEER. Peace!