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By "Who Dey"

Off-Season 2169 (Cincinnati) - Courtney McLemore, the always outspoken, sometimes controversial, but always spectacular Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, has retired after 16 seasons.

'It was time,' McLemore said during the press conference where the team announced his retirement. 'I had a great run but these old knees are done.'

Thought to be benched during training camp in favor of the younger Lee Reilly, McLemore fought for his job, won it back, and led his team to the second round of the playoffs. But the Baltimore Ravens were too much for his team in their last game.

That he won back his job was no surprise. McLemore has always been used to fighting for his job. Taken in the third round in the same draft as Joe Brady was taken by his team in the first, he beat out Brady to become the Bengals starting quarterback, causing the team to eventually trade Brady to New Orleans.

Courtney showed he was in charge from day one with his play and his brash statements about the team and their success. He never got that Sundby he wanted, but no one can say he didn't have a great career.

McLemore finishes with 43,241 career passing yards and 285 touchdowns and only 98 interceptions in a career that puts him right up there with the league's all time greats.