With Pacman Jones suspended for the season, NFL joke-writers such as myself had already taken a serious hit.  But this might be too much… Ladies and gentlemen, Drew Bledsoe has retired.  A 14-year veteran of the Patriots, Bills, and Cowboys, Bledsoe will be remembered for his cannon arm, complete immobility in the pocket, and crippling late-game interceptions.  He will be missed more than words can say.

It's a strange development.  As recently as a month ago, "Bledsoe" blogged about his excitement to join the free agent market: 

It’s only been 12 hours since I marched into Jerry [Jones]’s office and demand he cut me, but it feels like a lifetime. I’ve even stopped cutting my hair and shaving (which I normally do twice a day.) The freedom I am feeling right now… it’s… indescribable. It’s like eating a Burger for the first time after taking a day off Burgers.

So how did it happen? Well, you’ll hear many things on SportsCenter tonight. Stuff like “This was a salary cap decision.” That’s not true. What do I care if the Cowboys are over the salary cap? That’s not my problem. That had nothing to do with why I demanded to get cut.

Fare thee well, Drew.  I will remember your interceptions, your expert wearing of visors, and TonyHomo.com with the utmost fondness.  And don't be so sure about this retirement.  I hear the Raiders are looking for someone who can get the ball seventy yards downfield.