Warren Sapp Retires: The Outspoken Star Will Be Missed

Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp has retired. According to a report from newsvine.com, the 13-year NFL veteran posted an official announcement on the Raiders' website.

Sapp's announcement comes as no surprise. In January, he telegraphed his plans to the world on the homepage of his own website, where he posted a two-word message: "I'M DONE!" Apparently, the 35-year-old Sapp finalized his decision to step down after the season finale against the Chargers.

The outspoken Sapp spent nine seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before joining the Raiders in 2004 as a free agent. Though his tenure with the Raiders was mostly strife ridden, he did enjoy one standout season in 2006, when he racked up 10 sacks.

High School and College Career

Warren Carlos Sapp was born in Orlando, Florida on December 19, 1972. He was a star football player at Apopka High School in Apopka, Florida, where he played tight end, linebacker and punter. During his career at the University of Miami, his position was defensive lineman. Sapp, who was named to many All-American teams while a college player, also won numerous awards for his defensive playing abilities, including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Lombardi Award.

Tampa Bay

Sapp was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 1995 draft. Sapp immediately assumed the position of right defensive tackle and finished his rookie season with an impressive 27 tackles and one interception. During his tenure with the Bucs, Sapp earned a reputation as a fearless - and rather intimidating - tackler. Sapp was named to the Pro Bowl seven straight times, and, in 1999, he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Perhaps Sapp's crowning achievement was on January 27, 2003, when he helped lead the Bucs to a 48-21 victory over the Oakland Raiders.

Sapp and Controversy

Without a doubt, Warren Sapp has been the source of some controversy throughout his career. He was, as previously mentioned, an aggressive player who no doubt made more than a few opponents wince and whine. But he was also known as being very outspoken - both on and off the field. In fact, he has been fined more than once for his outbursts, and was once kicked out of a game for unsportsmanlike conduct.

On a lighter note, he had something of a running "feud" going on with Packers QB Brett Favre, who also retired this week. They frequently exchanged friendly trash talk when the Bucs and Green Bay were in the same division. To be sure, Warren Sapp's antics on and off the field will be missed.

Sources:

Warren Sapp Bio

nflplayers.com