NFL

Brown retires as a Raider

By wire services
Published July 19, 2005

OAKLAND, Calif. - Tim Brown signed a one-day contract and retired with the Raiders on Monday, ending his 17-year career as one of the NFL's most prolific receivers.

Brown, the Heisman Trophy winner at Notre Dame in 1987, played his first 16 seasons with the Raiders in Los Angeles and Oakland, becoming the self-proclaimed "Mr. Raider." He spent last season with the Bucs after refusing to accept a tiny role with Oakland.

Brown, who turns 39 Friday, had 1,070 receptions for 14,734 yards and 99 touchdowns with the Raiders, who released him in August. Reuniting with former Raiders coach Jon Gruden on the Bucs, Brown had 24 catches for 200 yards and one touchdown.

"At some point in my career, I didn't think this day would ever come," Brown said. "I thought I'd just keep playing and keep playing. But I'm very glad this day has come, and I can move on to the next phase of my life."

A Dallas native with no background in auto racing, Brown announced plans to partner with Roush Racing on a NASCAR team based in Charlotte, and to begin competition next year. He would become the first black majority owner of a NASCAR team.

Only ex-Oakland teammate Jerry Rice has more career yards receiving than Brown. His 100 touchdown catches (tied with Steve Largent) and 1,094 career catches are third in the NFL.

Brown and Raiders owner Al Davis had a close relationship, but it seemed to be strained when Brown reunited with Gruden and former Raiders executive Bruce Allen in Tampa Bay.

"I don't think they like the fact that I went to Jon Gruden and Bruce, but I was unemployed," Brown said, grinning. "I needed a job. Mr. Davis and I, we've had our cross words, but I think there's a mutual respect."

TITANS GET HARVEY: Buffalo sent running back Travis Henry to Tennessee for a 2006 third-round draft pick. The deal ended a standoff after Henry vowed not to play the final year of his contract. The former Bills starter did not attend minicamp sessions last spring, unhappy after losing his job to Willis McGahee in October.

HALL OF FAME LINEMAN DEAD: Jim Parker, the first full-time offensive lineman inducted into the Hall of Fame, died in Baltimore at 71. He played guard and tackle for the Colts from 1957-67, protecting Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas. He was a first-round draft pick in 1957 from Ohio State, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Hall in 1973.

JETS: Cornerback Donnie Abraham, 31, who played his first six seasons with the Bucs, made it official, ending his nine-year career to spend more time with his family.

SEAHAWKS: Former receiver Koren Robinson pleaded guilty to one count of driving under the influence and was ordered to spend one day in jail, with 364 days suspended.

[Last modified July 19, 2005, 01:09:13]