Ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs' Week 10 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, we remember a former Chiefs Kingdom favorite's decision to end his playing career in Atlanta.
J.J. Birden was a reliable deep-threat wide receiver who started 40 games for Marty Schottenheimer's Chiefs teams. Before starting every game he played for Atlanta.
In a past interview with Chiefs Wire's Ed Easton Jr., Birden revealed the mindset that led him to retire after two seasons with the Falcons.
"I felt like that last year in Atlanta... this will probably be my last year, and I remember I hurt my knee," Birden said. "Then I went through rehab, and when I was at 100 percent, I thought, 'You know what, I played nine years in the NFL. I'm relatively healthy. Let's transition
to the next phase."
During Birden's final two seasons from 1995 to 1996, he caught 61 passes for 622 yards and three touchdowns.
"I always wanted to walk out on my terms," said Birden, "that's what I was able to do, and I tell you, it was tempting because I received calls from, I think, Chicago, Seattle, and New Orleans. I told my agent, I said, 'I'm done. I don't want to hear who's calling; I don't want to be tempted. I'm done,' and I walked away."
After nine NFL seasons, Birden finished his career with 244 receptions, 3,441 yards, and 17 touchdowns. He also played in nine postseason games, tallying 33 catches for 429 yards and three touchdowns.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs fan favorite notably ended his career with the Falcons
