Reggie White Officially Retires

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

February 15, 1999 / 7:12 PM EST / CBS Sportsline

Reggie White made it official Monday.

The Green Bay Packers said the All-Pro defensive end turned in his retirement letter to general manager Ron Wolf at the team's corporate offices Monday.

The 37-year-old White, the NFL's career sacks leader, had said last season would be his last. But there had been hints he might change his mind after the Packers hired his longtime friend, Ray Rhodes, as new head coach, replacing Mike Holmgren.

White wound up making 16 sacks and earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in what was to be his last season, and that raised speculation he might not be ready to retire.

Then came reports during the weekend that a return by White would cause trouble for the Packers in staying within the NFL salary cap.

The Packers said it's all settled now.

"He's officially retired. It's over. I think he's had it," Packers spokesman Lee Remmel said.