WR Tim Brown retires as a Raider, ready to join NASCAR?

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=timbrownretires&prov=st&type=lgns

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA (TICKER) -- Before leaving the NFL, Tim Brown went back home.

One of the most prolific receivers in NFL history, Brown retired Monday after signing a one-day contract with the Oakland Raiders, with whom he spent nearly his entire career.

Brown, who turns 39 on Friday, made his announcement at a news conference at a hotel. He signed a contract presented by Raiders executive Amy Trask, thanked countless coaches and teammates and announced plans to enter NASCAR in an effort to diversify the sport.

A former Heisman Trophy winner, Brown ranks second all-time in receiving yardage, third in receptions and tied for third in receiving touchdowns. He played 16 seasons for the Raiders before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season.

"I thought that this day would never come," he said. "I thought I would just keep on playing."

Until a couple of years ago, that seemed possible. As recently as 2003 - his last season with the Raiders - he had 52 catches for 567 yards while playing alongside Jerry Rice and Jerry Porter.

However, Brown did not re-signed last summer when the Raiders could not guarantee his role in the offense. He reunited with former Raiders coach Jon Gruden in Tampa Bay but had 24 receptions for 200 yards and one touchdown, his lowest totals since 1990.

"It is time for me to retire, to move on to a different phase of my life," he said.

Brown intends to become the first minority majority owner of a NASCAR team. He has been working with Roush Racing, one of the sport's most successful teams which is helping him get started.

"It's going to be a big deal to try and get this accomplished," Brown said.

Very few receivers accomplished more than Brown, who caught 1,094 passes for 14,934 yards and 100 touchdowns. He also was a spectacular return man early in his career.

Selected to nine Pro Bowls, Brown had more than 1,000 yards receiving from 1993-2001. His most productive season came in 1997, when he caught 104 passes for 1,408 yards.

Brown attended Notre Dame and won the 1987 Heisman as a wide receiver and return man.