"Farewell NFL," he wrote.

With that, a career once filled with such promise came to a most unceremonious end.

Culpepper, who starred for the Minnesota Vikings before a major knee injury in 2005 curtailed his career, announced his retirement in an e-mail Thursday morning, saying he's simply grown tired of fighting for one more opportunity.

The 31-year-old was the Vikings' first-round draft choice in 1999, became their full-time starter a year later, and he teamed with Randy Moss to pile up yards and touchdowns at an impressive rate.

But he hurt his right knee in October 2005, never played for the Vikings again and never seemed to return to his past level, either.

Last season, the Oakland Raiders took a shot on Culpepper, and he made five starts there, albeit only getting five touchdown passes in those games.

BURRESS SIGNS EXTENSION: Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress is finally going to be paid like one of the NFL's top receivers.

Hours before the New York Giants kicked off the season against the Washington Redskins on Thursday night, Burress signed a two-year contract extension that will bump his salary into the $7 million range over the next five years.

JOHNSON CHANGES NAME: Call him Ocho Cinco on the field, too.

The NFL decided on Thursday to recognize receiver Chad Johnson's legal name change to Chad Ocho Cinco. The new name will be on the back of his Cincinnati Bengals uniform for the season-opener in Baltimore on Sunday.

The receiver had his name changed in his home state of Florida last week.

JONES MAY START: Call him Adam Jones or Pacman. Maybe even call him a starter.

Because the Dallas Cowboys are wary of cornerback Terence Newman's groin injury, there's a chance Jones will make his Dallas debut as part of the starting lineup Sunday against the Browns in Cleveland.

BRIEFLY: Despite a torn ligament in his right knee, Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday is not planning on surgery anytime soon. The three-time Pro Bowl selection will instead continue his rehab work amid hopes for a quick return.

* The Baltimore Ravens agreed to terms with former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson on a three-year, $11 million contract.

* Buffalo Bills starting linebacker Angelo Crowell was placed on season-ending injured reserve Thursday in a surprise move that came after the player elected to have surgery on his left knee.

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.