Doug Fluitie released by Chargers

SAN DIEGO, March 11 (UPI) -- The oldest quarterback in the NFL, 42-year-old Doug Flutie, was released Friday by the San Diego Chargers.

Flutie was expendable after Drew Brees unexpectedly had a career year in 2004 and the Chargers are shelling out a huge contract to former N.C. State star Phillip Rivers.

The pint-sized Flutie, who is only 5 feet 11, won the Heisman Trophy in 1984 while at Boston College. He began his pro career with the USFL's New Jersey Generals in 1985.

Flutie won three titles while playing in the Canadian Football League for Calgary and Toronto, and also earned six Most Outstanding Player awards in Canada and Grey Cup MVP honors three times.

In the NFL, he played for the Chargers, Chicago, New England and Buffalo.