Guide Note

Professional football quarterback Daunte Culpepper played nine seasons in the National Football League. Culpepper played for the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders and Miami Dolphins. On September 4, 2008, he announced his retirement from the league, stating that he "would rather move on and win in other arenas of life."¹

Fast Facts

1. Born: January 28, 1977
2. Birthplace: Ocala, Florida
3. Attended: Vanguard High School
4. Alma-mater: University of Central Florida
5. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1999
6. Pro Bowl in 2001, 2004, 2005
7. Traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2006
8. Signed with the Oakland Raiders in 2007
9. Retired in 2008

Although drafted in the first round by the Vikings, Culpepper did not attain the starting job until his second year with the organization. In his first year as a starter, and with the help of all-pro wide receivers Randy Moss and Chris Carter, Culpepper was able to amass 3,937 yards, 33 touchdowns on 474 pass attempts. That season, along with two more of similar statistics, he earned a Pro Bowl selection. However, in 2005, following an injury and the resurgence of Brad Johnson, Culpepper expressed interest in wanting to be traded. He was subsequently traded to the Dolphins in 2006. After only playing in seven games in Miami, Culpepper went to the Raiders, who released him after the end of the 2007 season. Following the 2007 season, Culpepper entered free agency. He was offered backup contracts with many teams, but chose not to sign and officially retired in September of 2008.

• Touchdowns: 142²
• Passing yards: 22,422²
• Interceptions: 94²
• Games played: 92²

Daunte Culpepper Retires | Oakland Raiders | Randy Moss | Minnesota Vikings | Miami Dolphins | Brad Johnson | Brett Favre | Chris Carter