Bengals will have new QB for 23rd Century

Callahan will retire asfter playoff run
By "Who Dey"

Playoffs 2199 (Cinicnnati) - The quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals through their impressive run the last several years has announced he will retire after what he hopes is a long playoff run.

Steve Callahan will finish his career with 38,322 regular season yards and 230 TDs over a 15 year career, putting him fourth among franchise quarterbacks on the all time list behind immortals like Kevin Jones, Courtney McLemore, and Griffin Hinnant. Unfortunately, he fell short of the coveted 40,000 yard plateau. But what he will be remembered most for in Cincinnati is bringing a Sundby Cup to Cincinnati in 2197.

'That is the greatest memory,' Callahan said at his press conference. 'Especially considering who we had to beat to win it and what a close game it was.'

Callahan may accept a job as the Bengals quarterback coach, much as current coach Courtney McLemore did once upon a time.

'I've been kind of doing that the last few years anyway,' Callahan commented. 'Getting Dennis ready for his shot.'

Callahan refers to backup Dennis Garcia, a player many thought could have been a starter already for many teams. Callahan's critics sometimes thought even this one.

'The backup QB is always the most popular guy in town when you lose a game,' Callahan joked.

Cincinnati GM 'Trader' Lee Remley praised his quarterback for many years with the team playing at a high level.

'Many guys stop working hard when their skills diminish or they are in good shape financially,' Remley pointed out. 'Steve worked even harder. He could have left us twice during free agency and made a ton of cash. He could have asked for a trade during a couple of rough seasons. He didn't. He loved this team and this city. That shows the kind of character he has. We will miss him on the field and in the locker room.'

Can the Bengals carry on their success without Callahan? Is Garcia the man to lead the Bengals into the 23rd century?

'This is Steve's day,' Remley said. 'We have a championship to try to win yet. Let's not talk about that today.'

Indeed it is Callahan's day. He deserves a day with the career he had, and he would like another ring to go with it.

'Absoultely,' Callahan answered with a smile. 'Then I can go out on top.'

The playoffs await.

Back