St. Louis receiver Isaac Bruce retires

ST. LOUIS, June 9 (UPI) -- Isaac Bruce announced his retirement Wednesday, two days after St. Louis traded for him so he could step down as a member of the Rams.

Bruce, 37, spent the last two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, prior to which he had set every major receiving record in St. Louis history. He caught 942 passes for 14,109 yards and 84 touchdowns over 14 seasons with the Rams. He had 759 yards worth of receptions during the playoffs, which is also a franchise record.

He was selected in the second round of the 1994 draft and went on to become the second-leading receiver in NFL history. His 15,208 yards ranks behind only all-time record holder Jerry Rice.

"Isaac has meant so much to our organization and this is a day the Rams have long anticipated, the retirement of one of the greatest players in franchise history," team owner Chip Rosenbloom said. "Isaac is the epitome of a class act and we thank him for his contributions to this organization, on and off the field."

Bruce's highlight season came in 1999, when he had 77 catches for 1,165 yards and 12 touchdowns in leading St. Louis to a Super Bowl title. He had six catches for 162 yards in the championship victory over Tennessee, including a 73-yard touchdown reception that put St. Louis in front in the fourth quarter.