Steve Gregory retires, headed to coaching ranks



Terez Paylor, Kansas City Star:
“It is with tremendous respect, appreciation, and admiration for the game of football that I’ve decided to announce my retirement effective immediately,” Gregory said in a statement released by his agent, David Canter.

Gregory, 31, has recorded 357 tackles in 111 career games over eight NFL seasons with the Chargers and Patriots. Last season, he made 79 tackles and zero interceptions in 14 games, including 11 starts, with the Patriots.



Steve Gregory gave it only nine days, after giving nine years to the NFL. His signing with the Kansas City Chiefs on July 31st was after he questioned, “why he didn’t have a job sooner”? Reliable safeties are hard to find.

It was strange to not see Steve in a Patriots uniform. Two years in New England sure seemed like more than that. I guess I just can't get past the 2012 Thanksgiving evening game against the New York Jets. This was the butt-fumble recovery and touchdown return of QB Mark Sanchez' gift after his collision with OT Brandon Moore. The 15 minutes of fame is still ticking.

Sitting back in that safety position, not knowing whether to run up or fall back, is a heckuva way to make a living. To play nine years in the NFL is quite an accomplishment. That is three times longer than most.

When you look back at your fine career, playing will look like a part time job compared to coaching. Best of luck.

Paul Murphy is a freelance writer from New Hampshire.

Follow me on Twitter at @_prmurphy

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