Sage Rosenfels Announces Retirement from NFL

Aug 30, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sage Rosenfels (18) prepares for a game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

One of the few quarterbacks from Iowa State’s football history to have a successful run through the National Football League announced his retirement late Sunday night.

Sage Rosenfels wrote a very long, but heartfelt piece on Facebook to his family and friends that helped him out through his career.

"I always knew the day would come. I just didn’t think I’d be 35 when it finally happened. I will soon be turning in my paperwork to the NFL and formally retiring after a 12 year career. Like most NFL players, I wish I could have played a couple more seasons, but usually the league is done with you before you are done with it.It definitely was a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs and not a lot of years where I felt comfortable with my standing on a team. A dozen years of battling every day to make it another year and to prove myself against some of the best athletes in the world."

Now 35 years old, Rosenfels began his career in the NFL with the Washington Redskins in 2001. He was an NFL journeyman after that, playing for five different teams and hitting the Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins twice in his career.

Rosenfels started for two seasons with the Cyclones, having one of the most successful seasons in Iowa State history in 2000. He led the team to an 8-3 season and an Insight.com Bowl victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers. Rosenfels completed 23-34 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns, receiving the offensive MVP award for the bowl game and also won the same award as a seasonal accomplishment.