Dilfer says he's ready to retire after 14 years

Dilfer with the Bucs in the creamsicle days, 1995; below right as quarterback for the Super Bowl champion Ravens, 2001. [Times photos | Bill Serne]

Quarterback Trent Dilfer, the No. 6 overall pick in 1994 who spent six seasons with the Bucs, will retire after 14 seasons.

He said Wednesday that a recent Achilles tendon injury swayed him. "Everybody I've talked to says (camaraderie is) the hardest thing to get away from," he said. "But I knew this time was coming, and here it is."

Dilfer, 36, started 76 games for the Bucs, leaving after 1999. In 2000, he emerged from a backup role to help the Ravens win Super Bowl XXXV, in Tampa of all places. He spent four seasons with the Seahawks, one with the Browns and the past two with the 49ers. In seven games (six starts) last season, he threw for 1,166 yards, seven TDs and 12 interceptions.

Dilfer remains ranked among the best QBs in Bucs history:

Bucs touchdown passes
Vinny Testaverde: 77 in 76 games
Doug Williams: 73 in 67 games
Trent Dilfer: 70 in 79 games

Bucs passing yards
Vinny Testaverde: 14,820
Trent Dilfer: 12,969
Doug Williams: 12,648