OWINGS MILLS, Md. - Jonathan Ogden will announce his retirement today, ending a stellar career with the Baltimore Ravens in which the left offensive tackle garnered 11 Pro Bowl invitations and a Super Bowl ring.
Ogden, who turns 34 next month, told friends he won't return for a 13th season. The 6-9 345-pounder has been bothered by a hyperextended toe since December 2006.
Ogden arrived at the team's training complex yesterday to confirm his decision and solidify plans for a news conference this morning.
"I'm all right. I'm good with it," Ogden said of his retirement before meeting with team officials.
Ogden played in a career-low 11 games last year and did not participate in the Pro Bowl because of the bothersome big toe on his left foot. He did not participate in the team's offseason workouts, including a mandatory minicamp last month.
"That toe injury, I had it once. I know it's got to be emotionally draining on him," quarterback Kyle Boller said yesterday. "That big toe, as big as he is, you've got to have that thing. I'm sure he got very frustrated with the whole situation. He probably sat down and decided that he wasn't going to be able to do it anymore."
Burress won't practice without new contract
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Plaxico Burress isn't going to practice with the New York Giants until the Super Bowl champions give him a new contract.
Burress reported to the Giants' mandatory minicamp but refused to work out because he was not happy with the way contract negotiations are progressing between the team and agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Coach Tom Coughlin had indicated after practice that Burress did not work out because of a knee injury, but the receiver said he was healthy.
"Me and my agent are trying to get a deal done so I can stay a New York Giant for a long time," Burress said. "I, personally, don't like the way they're going, and I am not happy about it. I am choosing not to participate."
Saints' DE Smith signs extension to rival best
NEW ORLEANS - New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith has signed a contract extension that will make him one of the NFL's highest-paid defensive players.
Smith signed a six-year deal worth about $70 million, according to a person familiar with the deal who requested anonymity because the terms had not been made public.
The deal makes Smith the NFL's third highest-paid defensive end, behind Minnesota's Jared Allen and Indianapolis' Dwight Freeney.
Smith made the Pro Bowl in 2006 and his seven sacks in 2007 led the Saints. He also was among team leaders in tackles with 66.
Bills fine Peters for missing the start of minicamp
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters will be fined by the Buffalo Bills for missing the start of the team's three-day mandatory minicamp, and teammates said his absence might be due to a contract dispute.
"It's a decision he's made, and he'll be fined," coach Dick Jauron said.


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