San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young retired from football on Monday, June 12th in 2000. Young announced his retired from within the team locker room after multiple concussions made it too dangerous to continue. However, he has recently admitted that the team's direction at the time also lead to the decision.
Steve Young had a 15 year career winning two MVP awards and beating the San Diego Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX.
"The fire still burns but not enough," said Young.
Young's final injury occurred while playing the Cardinals in Arizona on September 27th, 1999. Blitzing cornerback Aeneas Williams knocked the quarterback out midway through the 24-10 49ers victory.
"I remember a flash and as I was going backwards, catching [tackle] Dave Fiore's knee and then the ground," Young said. "And then mostly just resting for a second because I wanted to collect myself. But once I stood up, I felt I knew exactly what was going on and that's why my initial reaction was to go back into the game."
Young went on to marry his current wife, Barbara, in March of 2000. "In many ways what lies ahead for me is more important than what I leave behind," he said.
Young's career stats include completing 64.3% of his passes for 33,124 yards and 232 touchdowns. Young also rushed for 4,239 yards on 722 attempts.
"I loved playing Dallas. I loved playing Green Bay," he said. "I loved the expectation that every year we were going to the Super Bowl."