Plummer retires rather than join Buccaneers

Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tamba Hali in the second half during their NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri in this file photo from November 23, 2006.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Quarterback Jake Plummer announced his retirement on Sunday a day after being traded from the Denver Broncos to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Plummer, who had lost his starting job in Denver to rookie Jay Cutler with five games remaining last season, was sent to Tampa Bay for a conditional pick in the 2008 draft but according to reports had balked at the trade.

The 32-year-old former-Pro Bowler confirmed his retirement on the Jake Plummer Foundation's Web site on Sunday.

"I want to thank my family and close friends for their loyal support through all these fun-filled, rollercoaster years," said Plummer in statement. "Second, I owe all of my greatest achievements in football to the men who stood by my side as my team mates and coaches.

"Also a big thank you to the fans that have rooted for me through the ups and downs of my career."

Plummer gave no reason for his decision but the Buccaneers have also signed free agent quarterback Jeff Garcia and, with holdovers Chris Simms and Bruce Gradkowski returning, the battle for the starting job in Tampa Bay was expected to be fierce.

After leading the Broncos to the AFC championship game in 2005, Plummer's stock had dropped with fans and the call for Cutler grew louder.

In 10 seasons with Arizona Cardinals and Broncos, Plummer threw for 29,253 yards and 161 touchdowns.