Former Falcons DE Kerney retires

Atlanta Falcons

Former Falcons DE Kerney retires

Photos: Former Falcons DE Patrick Kerney retires from NFL football, April 2010.

Former Falcons DE Patrick Kerney had hoped to return for the 2010 season and play for the Seattle Seahawks, but he elected to retire instead on April 13. "The toll that has been taken on my body will no longer allow me to train, and hence, perform at a level that is acceptable to me," he said in a statement. - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

Kerney (58, right) was drafted by the Falcons in first round (30th overall) of the 1999 NFL draft out of Virginia. - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

Kerney (shown sacking Rams QB Marc Bulger in 2004) posted a stellar NFL career which included 82.5 sacks and two trips to the Pro Bowl. He was also voted to the All-Pro team twice. - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

His best season as a Falcon came in 2004 (shown above), when Kerney had 13 sacks and nine passes defensed to help Atlanta reach the NFC championship game. - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

Kerney (97) mentioned the Falcons in his farewell statement. "It has been a privilege to work for two first-class organizations that are supported by passionate, inspirational fans," Kerney said. "I cannot express enough gratitude to all who have supported me through my career." - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

The Falcons elected not re-sign Kerney (left) after the 2006 season. Seattle signed him to a six-year, $39.5 million free agent contract and he went on to post a career-high 14.5 sacks during the 2007 season. - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

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Former Falcons DE Patrick Kerney had hoped to return for the 2010 season and play for the Seattle Seahawks, but he elected to retire instead on April 13. "The toll that has been taken on my body will no longer allow me to train, and hence, perform at a level that is acceptable to me," he said in a statement. - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

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