The Jacksonville Jaguars today signed veteran defensive end Paul Spicer to a one-day contract so that he could retire as a Jaguar. Spicer will be placed on the reserve/retired list.
Spicer spent nine seasons with the Jaguars (2000-08), playing in 115 games with 63 starts during that time. He is one of only nine players to play nine seasons for the Jaguars, and finished his tenure with 28.5 sacks which is tied for fourth in team history. His career totals included 349 tackles, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and one interception.
"Without the Jaguars, I wouldn't be where I am today," Spicer said. "I can't thank the Jaguars organization and the Jacksonville community enough for giving me an opportunity. That's why I came back here to live even when I left to go to New Orleans. My heart will always be here and I will always be a Jaguar. It was very important for me to end my career here where it started."
The Indianapolis native began his professional career in 1998, signing as an undrafted rookie with the Seattle Seahawks before spending the season playing in the Canadian Football League for the Saskatchewan Rough Riders. He played for the Detroit Lions in 1999 and signed with the Jaguars as a free agent in 2000. He finished his career with the New Orleans Saints in 2009 and was part of the Super Bowl championship team.
In 2007, Spicer served as the defensive team captain while leading the Jaguars with a career-high 7.5 sacks. He started both postseason contests and finished the season with 50 tackles (36 solo), three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He ranked second on the club in 2005 with 7.5 sacks. He played in all 48 games from 2001-03 before missing 14 games in 2004 after being placed on injured reserve with a fractured right leg.
