KIRTLAND, Ohio -- Clarence Scott, the Cleveland Browns' defensive captain who played at cornerback and safety during a consistent 13-year career, Tuesday announced his retirement from professional football.
Scott, 35, the Browns' No. 1 draft choice in 1971 out of Kansas State, checked his emotions as he spoke about 'the moment that must happen to every player.'
'I'm just like everybody else,' said the native of Atlanta, who played in 178 straight regular season games, 10 short of the team record held by Don Cockroft. 'There's a time you come, and a time you have to go.'
Scott spoke at a news conference held at Lakeland Community College, where the Browns are holding their training camp. He was flanked by his wife, Regina, and Browns coach Sam Rutigliano.
Team owner Art Modell also attended the conference, and described Scott as a player 'who conducted himself professionally both on and off the field. He was, and is, a credit to the Browns.'
Scott intercepted 39 passes during his career, the third-best total in the team's history behind Thom Darden (45) and Warren Lahr (40).
'Clarence influenced by example,' said Rutigliano. 'He is a role model for both rookies and veterans. His retirement is a tremendous loss.
Scott, who missed only one game in his career, a shoulder injury in his rookie year, said his ties to the Browns would endure.
'I've been called a 'permanent fixture' in the Browns' defense,' he said. 'Well, I'll always be permamently attached to the Browns. I'll do anything to help the organization, the city of Cleveland, the state of Ohio...'
Scott said he wished he could have brought Cleveland a championship team 'like Paul (Warfield) and Jim (Brown) did.'
Scott added he was 'on the tail end of a law degree' and is now involved with a sports management agency headed by attorney David Ware in Atlanta.
'I'll be real easy when dealing with Art,' quipped Scott. 'Actually, my favorite team was the Browns, even from grade school.'
Rutigliano enjoyed the association. He said the current training camp was 'like a quick scholastic review to see what you've learned.'
Rutigliano said that rookie wide receiver Bruce Davis, the team's No. 2 pick from Baylor, has a bruised shoulder but is ready to play.
In addition, free agent defensive end Kent Townsend of Toledo had a fractured metacarpal bone in his right hand, but could practice.
The coach also said free agent rookie cornerback Ronald Fishback of Western Kentucky left camp late Monday.
Rutigliano announced that veteran Rick Trocano and rookie Terry Nugent of Colorado State would play in Saturday's rookie scrimmage against the Buffalo Bills at Edinboro (Pa.) University.
Rutigliano has avoided singling out individual players since camp opened, but said that No. 10 draft pick fullback Ernest Byner of East Carolina 'has talent and works very hard.'
A total of 76 players, 55 rookies and 21 veterans, remain in camp.
