Former CB Nnamdi Asomugha to retire a Raider

Originally published on Silver & Black Report on Dec. 26, 2013


The Raiders have announced that former cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha will announce his retirement from professional football on Friday.

Asomugha was once in consideration as the best cornerback in the league, with Buccaneers Darrelle Revis the other corner in consideration.

Asomugha, now 32 years old, was drafted 31st overall in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Silver & Black and moved to cornerback by Al Davis after playing safety at the University of California.

Asomugha played 11 seasons in the NFL, tallying 11 interceptions and earning three Pro Bowl invitations (all with the Raiders from 2008-2010).

With his contract expiring after the 2010 season, Asomugha was largely considered the top free agent available before signing a five-year, $60-million ($25 million guaranteed) contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

After primarily playing in the Raiders' man-to-man defense, Asomugha's play declined while playing in more zone with the Eagles and last just two years in Philadelphia before being released.

Asomugha most recently played for the San Francisco 49er's earlier this season before losing out to Raheem Brock as the team's third corner. Asomugha hasn't been on a team since being released in early November.

The press conference will take place at 3 p.m. on Friday and the young corner will be flanked by fellow Raider-great cornerbacks Willie Brown, Lester Hayes and current Raiders safety Charles Woodson.

Asomugha's career ends with 15 interceptions and 80 passes defensed in 143 career games.

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