"Veteran linebacker Channing Crowder, who was released by the Miami Dolphins less than two weeks ago, announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday.

Crowder made the announcement on The Sid Rosenberg Show on Miami-based radio station WQAM (560-AM).

"I know I can still play football, but I'm hanging it up," Crowder said. "I woke up and saw my pregnant wife and all the teams that were talking to me and I said, 'I don't want to do it.' "

Crowder, who worked out for the New England Patriots last week, was released by the Dolphins following the team's first practice of training camp.

Crowder, 27, said in addition to talking with the Patriots, he also received interest from the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears."