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Hoover on being released:

Swarly

By Swarly,
in Carolina Panthers

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Swarly

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Hoover: "I never wanted to leave Carolina"

Fullback Brad Hoover was still wrestling with his emotions early tonight after being informed earlier in the day of his release after 10 seasons with the Panthers by coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney.

“I never wanted to leave Carolina,” Hoover, 33, said in a telephone interview. “My intention was to play my whole career here.

“But for 10 years I was given the opportunity to play for the Panthers and it was a dream come true. To play in my home state, in front of great fans, with a great organization, it’s hard to part ways with that for me personally.

“Today is a very hard day in my life because I’ve been with one organization, one team, for such a long time. … If I could’ve written my script, I would’ve retired as a Panther.”

Hoover joins a long list of 30-and-over players who've been released or left unsigned since the season ended.

Cut last week were quarterback Jake Delhomme (35), defensive tackles Maake Kemoeatu (31) and Damione Lewis (32) and linebacker Na'il Diggs (31).

Defensive end Julius Peppers (30), though still in his prime, was allowed to become an unrestricted free agent and signed with the Chicago Bears. Defensive end Tyler Brayton (30), wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad (36) and defensive tackle Hollis Thomas (36) also are unrestricted free agents. Of the three, Brayton is the only one the Panthers are known to have extended a contract offer. However, he is visiting the Seattle Seahawks this week.

Hoover said he knows Carolina officials have a plan as they move toward the future, but that he's unsure of precisely what it is.

"I just know it's not with me," he said. "With all the veterans they're cutting, it looks like they're going with a youth movement. Throughout the whole league, it looks like that's going on. The market may have more veterans (available) than it's ever had. It could be preparing for a possible lockout in '11, something the owners are preparing for themselves.

"All I know is I'm no longer with the team. I regret that. But I'm thankful for the time I've had in Carolina and all the relationships I've established."

Hoover said he leaves with no regrets.

“We had a lot of good times and we’ve gone through a lot of bad times,” said Hoover, who endured the 1-15 season in 2001 and two years later played in the Super Bowl.

“I’ve had a good ride. Every part of my experience in Carolina has been great. It’s just been one of those things (that) right now is a turning point in my career.”

Hoover said he thinks he can still play at a high level and that he’ll soon begin exploring any opportunities that arise. Though he’s 33, he’s still regarded as one of the top blocking fullbacks in the league. Some teammates felt he should have made the Pro Bowl last season despite missing part of the year with injuries.

“I think there has been some interest (from other teams already), but I’m not sure what teams,” said Hoover. “I’ve got decisions to make if I want to play or just call it quits. I’ll be fine either way, but my desire is to play and see what interests are there and see where we move on from there.”

http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/2010/03/hoover-i-never-wanted-to-leave-carolina.html

sad :[

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