Former Pro Bowl QB Bulger retires after 10 seasons

Twice Pro Bowl quarterback Marc Bulger has decided to retire from the National Football League (NFL) after a 10-year career, according to a report on the Baltimore Ravens website on Wednesday.

The unrestricted free agent, taken in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, finished his career as a backup in Baltimore without playing a down for either team.

But in between Bulger spent eight productive seasons with the St. Louis Rams, passing for 22,814 yards and 122 touchdowns while earning Pro Bowl honors for the 2003 and 2006 seasons.

"I am grateful to all my former team mates, coaches and my family," Bulger told ESPN. "I have a special place in my heart for coach (St. Louis head coach Mike) Martz for giving me an opportunity."

Bulger, who took some big hits while playing behind a weak offensive line in St. Louis, played a full 16-game schedule only once during his career.

There was talk earlier this year that he would sign on as the starting quarterback with the Arizona Cardinals but the team instead acquired Kevin Kolb in a trade last week with the Philadelphia Eagles.