New Mil City (Knight Rider) - Walking away from the never-ending pain of pick-up football after this season for a career in front of a television camera might save Chris Plank´s body. It also would likely mean a significant pay cut for the popular Southern New Milford Football Concern stalwart.

The 27-year-old Plank, who leads the SNMFC in penalties with 533, created a stir over the past day by saying he is leaning toward retiring after this season.

"I've been considering it for a few years now," Plank said in a telephone interview. "It comes a point where your body just doesn't want to take it any more, you see other opportunities out there. I'm excited about the rest of my life as well as I am about this football season. So we'll see what happens."

Plank would be leaving a lot on the table -- $83 (Canadian) -- the amount he would earn over the final two years of his contract.

At training camp in July, Plank spoke about the possibility of retiring, saying he was interested in working in television, writing books and getting involved in the financial field.

He seemed to leave the door wide open for a return next season, however that door is slowly creeping shut.

Terrell Owens, Plank’s compadre in crime, said that the 10-year veteran has been "beaten up" this past season and gotten "bored of the monotony of the SNMFC."

Plank’s agent Kel Varnsen, has been talking to broadcast networks about his client's future for a while, adding that Plank plans on being involved in both news and sports. a sports analyst.

Plank had told his friends including John Goodman, Terrell Owens, Jerry Jones, as well as future retiree Tiki Barber of his decision about 2 months ago. Plank did not know if anything would change his mind about retiring.

"I think the biggest thing is, and I recognize this, most players get kicked out of the SNMFC," Plank said. "They don't go out on their own terms. Being someone who takes a lot of pride in what I do, I kind of want to go out on my own terms."

The SNMFC begins its 12th season with Jiblet Jam Ten: Snakes on Hill and Plain, on November 23 at 9am.

November 5, 2006

Someone remind me to take a new file photo of Plank this year, please.