Former Packers QB Matt Hasselbeck plans to retire after '14
INDIANAPOLIS -- Matt Hasselbeck's NFL career is slowly winding to a close.Hasselbeck told FOX Sports that he plans to retire following the 2014 season. Hasselbeck, 38, hopes to return next year in Indianapolis as the backup to starting quarterback Andrew Luck.
"I'd like to do one more year then call it a career," Hasselbeck said in a telephone interview. "I'm hoping for a good year this year and next.
"That's why I'm excited to be here rather than some other place. I feel good about our chances and the team we have. And I believe in Andrew (Luck)."
Hasselbeck joined the Colts this offseason after spending the previous two years with Tennessee.
He signed a two-year, $7.25 million contract that included a $3 million signing bonus. Hasselbeck is slated to earn $1.75 million in 2014 along with a $500,000 roster bonus.
Hasselbeck was Seattle's starting quarterback from 2001 to 2010. He was voted to the Pro Bowl on three occasions, including in 2005 when he led the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl berth in franchise history.
In his 15-season career, Hasselbeck has passed for 34,554 yards with 201 touchdowns and 147 interceptions. He is 85-78 as a starter, including six playoff stints with Seattle.
Hasselbeck, who hasn't appeared in a game for Indianapolis this season, began his NFL career in 1998 as a member of Green Bay's practice squad. That is the same year Peyton Manning entered the league with Indianapolis.
Hasselbeck emulated him as a scout-team quarterback in practice during the week as the Colts prepared for Sunday night's home game against the Manning-led Denver Broncos.
"It was really fun, especially because I didn't have to run around outside the pocket," Hasselbeck said with a chuckle. "[Colts practice-squad quarterback] Chandler Harnish was 10 years old when Peyton was drafted here. He grew up as a Colts fan and he's got all the mannerisms down. That made it pretty easy for me."