Donovan McNabb, Star Quarterback, to Retire As Philadelphia Eagle

Donovan McNabb, the former star quarterback, said he will retire from the NFL as a Philadelphia Eagle in September, according to ESPNRadio 97.7 FM in Syracuse, New York.

"I will retire as an Eagle and I look forward to that opportunity and that day," the quarterback told the radio station.

He later said on his NBC Sports Radio show that the team has suggested he return to Philadelphia to make his retirement announcement on Sept. 19 when his former coach, Andy Reid, leads the Kansas City Chiefs against the Eagles in a Thursday night game.

Reid has always been a huge supporter of McNabb, who was drafted out of Syracuse University by the Eagles.

"Donovan and I talked about that and I'm all for it," he told ESPN.com. "He's a special guy and I'm glad he's retiring as an Eagle for the first thing, and I'm glad they're giving him a celebration because he deserves every bit of that. He's just tremendous. A good person and a great football player and I had a lot of fun with him. You don't mind coaching those guys, right?"

An Eagles spokesman would neither confirm nor deny McNabb's plans when contacted by the Philadelphia media outlets. 

McNabb went 92-49-1 with the Eagles and holds the franchise records for completions (2801), passing yards (32,873) and passing touchdowns (216).

McNabb led the Eagles to four NFC Championship Game appearances and Super Bowl XXXIX, where Philadelphia fell to the New England Patriots. His time with the team ended unceremoniously, however, when he was traded to the Washington Redskins before the 2010 season.

He said he holds no animosity toward the majority of Eagles fans, who he said supported him during his time in Philadelphia.

"I have nothing but love for the Philly fans, even the ones who were highly criticizing me or opinionated in any way," he told ESPN 97.7 FM. "I can't get upset at them because my job is to get out on the field and be productive. That's what quarterbacking is all about."

McNabb, 36, last played in 2011, appearing in six games for the Minnesota Vikings before being released and sitting out the rest of that season after failing to find another NFL employer. He attempted to hook on with a team before last season but again went unsigned.

He finishes his career 17th on the NFL's career passing list with 37,276 yards and 22nd in touchdowns with 234.