"Quarterback Kerry Collins announced his retirement Thursday in a statement released by his agent.

Collins' exit from the NFL was more benign than the way he left the Panthers.

He played for five teams in 16 seasons, threw for more than 40,000 yards, earned two Pro Bowl berths and made it to the Super Bowl with the New York Giants.

But it was Collins' departure from the Panthers in 1998 that fans in Charlotte will remember most about the franchise's first draft pick.

In the midst of the Panthers' 0-4 start, he walked into coach Dom Capers' office and told him his heart wasn't in it anymore.

The Panthers placed him on waivers the following week, ending a 31/2-year roller-coaster for Collins that featured a trip to the NFC Championship Game in the team's second season, allegations of alcohol abuse and an incident in which he angered teammates by using a racial slur.

Former Panthers offensive lineman Frank Garcia, who was part of Carolina's first draft class with him, said Collins' later successes will be overshadowed by the "you quit on us" belief held by local fans.

"I think Charlotte is a very loyal city to their athletes. When you're one of theirs they want to take care of you, like the Muggsy Bogueses and Dell Currys," Garcia said. "Unfortunately for Kerry, the way he left, I think that's going to stay with him.""