TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Carolina quarterback Vinny Testaverde says he will retire after the Panthers' season-finale Sunday at Tampa Bay.
Heading into his last NFL contest, the 44-year-old Testaverde has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 21 straight seasons, a league record.
The two-time Pro Bowl selection (1996,1998) ranks sixth all-time in attempts, completions and passing yards, and holds career records with Tampa Bay and Baltimore for most passing yards with 14,820 and 7,148, respectively.
"I feel fortunate to have been able to play for 21 years in the NFL," he said on the Panthers' Web site. "I have lived a dream and have gotten to leave the game on my own terms."
This season, the first overall draft pick in 1987 was signed by Carolina Oct. 10 after injuries to Jake Delhomme and David Carr.
In six starts, he has five touchdown passes and six interceptions.
At 43 years, 335 days old, he became the oldest quarterback in NFL history to win a game.
