Ex-Falcons Patrick Kerney announces his retirement
061022 - ATLANTA, GA -- ROETHLISBERGER KNOCKED OUT--Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is knocked out of the game on this hit by Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney during 3rd quarter action at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2006. Roethlisberger did not get up for several minutes after the hit and never returned to the game. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC staff)
Former Altanta Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney had hoped to return for the 2010 season and play for the Seattle Seahawks, but he elected to retire instead on Tuesday.
Kerney was drafted by the Falcons in first round (30th overall) of the 1999 NFL draft out of Virginia. He went on to have a stellar NFL career which included 82.5 sacks, two trips to the Pro Bowl and he was voted to the All-Pro team twice.
He was also named the NFC’s defensive player of the year in 2007.
Kerney, who’s had surgery is each of the past four offseasons, announced his retirement in statement released by the Seahawks.
“Despite the desire to continue my career, I am retiring from professional football,” Kerney said in a statement released by the team. “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 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.”
His best season as a Falcons came in 2004, when he had 13 sacks and nine passes defensed to help them reach the NFC championship game.
The Falcons elected not re-sign Kerney 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.
However, as the injuries started to take a toll and he could only muster 10 sacks over the next two seasons in 22 games.
The injuries started to mount in Atlanta. Kerney missed the final seven games of the 2006 season because or a torn right pectoral.
In 2008, he had shoulder and wrist injures. Last season he had a groin and elbow injuries.
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63 comments Add your comment
mrzizzle
April 14th, 2010
10:17 pm
Being a Falcons fan living in Seattle, I had the privelage to watch Kerney for a few years here! He was a force of freak nature!
NOLA
April 14th, 2010
10:23 pm
Sly Ty
April 14th, 2010
7:54 pm
Just saw Matty Ice on NFL Network, he spoke briefly about the 9-7 season from last year. He didn’t seem proud of the 9-7 season, I know we didn’t make the playoffs, but as a fan since 1980 I was very happy with the 9-7 season. That was 2 winning seasons in a row, am I the only guy happy about that, he didn’t seem happy with the 9-7 because we didn’t make the playoff? 2 winning seasons is good. Right guys?
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typical sorry ares ‘con fan. guess what buddy, you can make it three in a row this year. you are really going to be elated with three consecutive winning seasons.
you jokers better bring your best when you face us.
our defense hit curt warner so hard he decided to retire.
we beat up on favre he was so scared that he decided to do wja every qb is told not to do.
what do you think we will do to that sissy qb of yours matty ice?
who dat, who dat.
Big Ray
April 14th, 2010
11:12 pm
NOLA ,
The only thing about a hangover is you have to sober up sooner or later. SuperBowl was months ago. Guess what? The team that won it the year before didn’t win it this year. History is not on your side (and when was the last time you had consecutive winning years, anyway?).
You got it backwards…you better be looking for us. Drew Breezy Bra is going to get hit…hard.
Big Ray
April 14th, 2010
11:14 pm
SlyTy ,
The fact that our QB isn’t satisfied with not making the postseason is only a good thing. It’s better than winning it all and thinking you are now deserve to automatically keep on winning. You have to keep working. Matty Ice understands that. Saints fans don’t. Big surprise.
Patrick Kerney was the man. Wish him well in retirement. Thanks for all the good years and the sacks!
Delbert D.
April 14th, 2010
11:25 pm
Patrick Kerney was a fierce competitor. I really like the photo of him hammering Big Ben, using a Steelers’ blocker as an anvil. That would make a great poster poster.
collegedude
April 14th, 2010
11:35 pm
PK was a great Falcon. Hope he’ll be willing to work with the Falcon Nation Charity Organization like other former Falcons, like Jessie Tuggle, Jeff Van Note, & Buddy Curry.
Falcon fans, come meet & have lunch with 3 Falcon’s legends & support a local charity at the same time. Jeff Van Note, Jessie Tuggle, & Buddy Curry will be there and have a Q&A session with those in attendence. Check it out here: http://www.falconnationcharities.org/lunchwithlegends.html
Philip
April 15th, 2010
7:36 am
Kerney was one of my favorite Falcons players of all time. I wish the Falcons could recognize him in some way without retiring his number.
truth
April 15th, 2010
9:53 am
N…..new
O…..orleans
L…..low class
A…..a@@hole
Falcon Forever
April 15th, 2010
9:57 am
Nola you have to be kidding me right. It was all luck the Saints made it past the Vikings. Not to mention luck was on your side the final third of the season. The Falcons will take the NFC South this year. The lucky Saints will have to settle for 3rd place. But i guess if you build your team, hopes and dreams around luck you can call yourself the Saints.
Timothy
April 15th, 2010
10:04 am
You were one of Atl’s great. I rank you up there with Nobis and Humphrey. Best of luck in your retirement.
Old Dawg
April 15th, 2010
10:09 am
Great shot of Kerney slobberknocking Big Ben. Maybe the hit made the QB check into the looney bin in Milledgeville where he got in trouble. Who knows for sure, but it makes a great story!
MrHughes
April 15th, 2010
12:50 pm
Pat Kerney was one of my favorite Falcons, but the team made the right choice not resigning him after he voided his deal. You have to stay young in the NFL! Cheaper talent that you develop in house leaves the core of your team younger and saves you money under the cap. There’s no Michael Turner and/or Roddy like leaves via free agency if we’d given Kerney a crazy contract like the Seahawks did. He basically played 2 seasons or a 3rd of the entire contract and there’s still two years left on it.
Atlanta Falcons Talk » Blog Archive » Around the Perimeter: Remembering Patrick Kerney
April 17th, 2010
1:01 am
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