I was surprised to see that Kerry Collins retired when in a way the Titians team would have been his for the year, as his arm and knowledge would have been used to protect Locker.  Then again the prospect of trying to beat out yet another young upstart is likely tiring. Kerry has been an honest guy when it comes to how he feels and his passion for the game…  Panthers fans know that from experience.
  I am more surprised to find that I am sadden by the announcement .  I was still in middle school when Kerry lead us to the NFC Championship.  When he beat out Frank Reich (I belive) for the starting job I was excited.  I remember when he broke his jaw and still tried to play I was in awe.  The guy had some grit in him, then later some pain killers and alcohol.  Ya… low blow I know and the last one I promise.
  Truth is Kerry is likely the best example in the league of getting a player help. He could have very easily been the first Ryan Leaf or Jamarcus Russell. He had his demons, the pressure got to him, but eventual with help the boy became a man and an example to many of how to recover.  I would dare say that he has even become a role model for how to play and act as NFL qb. I have to admit personally as a son of an alcoholic what Kerry Collins has overcome is something to be proud of and admired for.
  Collins’ career numbers are amazing considering  he held a clip board for a number of his years.  At a glance on ESPN  40,441 yards, 55.8 completion percentage (if my math is right) and 206 Tds and 195 INTs, make for an noteworthy career indeed. 
  Sad to think of what could have been, but Kerry may well have been the Carolina Panthers Brett Farve; A qb that would have been loved  for years, and years to come,  as well as one that I believe could have lead us to more than one Super bowl if he survived Sefiert that is… The man had talent of that there is now doubt.
  The greatest aspect of it all is that both the Panthers and Kerry did very well for the themselves 12 years later.  Both have been to a Super bowl and lost, gone to a Divisional Championship game and lost, and now both are looking forward to a new beginning once again.  His retirement now leaves John Kasay as the only active player from the original expansion team.  More could be said but I will only tip my hat to Kerry and say “Good luck and God bless.”