HOUSTON, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Running back James Allen of the Houston Texans, who was expected to compete with Stacey Mack and Jonathan Wells for a starting job, has decided to retire.
A team spokesman said Allen, 28, missed training camp drills last week and Saturday's preseason opener due to "personal issues." After a meeting with Coach Dom Capers on Sunday, Allen decided to retire.
"I believe that all things must come to an end," Allen said. "But at every ending there is a new beginning. I feel like it is time for me to move on to pursue other passions."
Allen rushed for 519 yards and caught a career-high 47 passes for the Texans in their inaugural season in 2002.
The Texans signed Mack as a free agent, making it likely that Allen would have been used primarily as a third down pass-catching back. Houston also selected Georgia Tech running back Tony Hollings in the supplemental draft.
The 5-10 Allen rushed for a career-high 1,120 yards in 2000 while with Chicago.
