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Former Bucs QB Josh Freeman says he’s retiring from football

The former first-round draft pick had been hoping to make a comeback with the CFL's Montreal Alouettes.
 
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Josh Freeman is trying to resurrect his football career with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. (Courtesy of the Alouettes)
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Josh Freeman is trying to resurrect his football career with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. (Courtesy of the Alouettes)
Published May 27, 2018|Updated May 27, 2018

Former Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman, who was trying to resurrect his career with the CFL's Montreal Alouettes, said Saturday that he is retiring from football.

Freeman, 30, was a first-round draft pick of the Bucs in 2009 and was their starting quarterback until early 2013. He remains the team's career leader in touchdown passes (80) and ranks second in passing yards (13,534). Jameis Winston could pass him on both lists next season.

Freeman played two NFL games after his Bucs days, one with the Vikings in 2013, one with the Colts in 2015.

RELATED: Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast on Josh Freeman and what went wrong

Freeman was one of five quarterbacks on the Alouettes' roster when said he was taking name out of the running for the starting job.

"We would like to thank Josh for his work and dedication," Alouettes general manager Kavis Reed said in a statement. "He was a consummate professional throughout camp. We respect his decision, and we wish him the best in the future."

Three weeks ago, Freeman's CFL journey was chronicled by the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud, who went to Vero Beach to speak with Freeman when the Alouettes were practicing there.