Vince Young Says He Almost Retired After Rookie Season

I like Vince Young and not just because he loves hanging out at male-only topless bars. His National Championship Game performance against USC two years ago was legendary, and if he never throws another NFL touchdowns, he'll always have that.

Curiously, it almost happened -- the never throwing another NFL pass bit. After winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award following the 2006 season, Young says he almost retired.

"I really thought long and hard about it," Young said on Thursday after practice. "There was so much going on with my family. It was crazy being an NFL quarterback. It wasn't fun anymore. All of the fun was out of it. All of the excitement was gone. All I was doing was worrying about things.

"My teammates helped lift me out of it. I prayed really hard. And I began to focus on God's calling for me. Play football. Be a role model."

I don't think it wouldn't gotten to the point where Young actually retired, although nobody thought Ricky Williams would up and move to India, so who knows. Young followed an 8-8 rookie season with a 10-win campaign last year. Despite two more wins, he struggled to throw the ball, which may or may not have had something to do with offensive coordinator Norm Chow getting axed earlier this spring.

In terms of being a role model, well, these are probably the first things that come to mind for most people. Young addressed the photos, which were apparently taken at a private party hosted by former Longhorns safety Michael Huff:

"First of all, it happened in early April, not last week, and there were a bunch of my former Texas teammates there and several other NFL guys," Young said. "It got kind of hot in there and several of us took our shirts off. Somebody snaps a picture. Here we go. It was young people, me included, having a good time, but I realize my mistake. It was not the model, the image I want to give to the kids. My teammates here have so much love and respect for me just as I have for them. They have barely said a word about it."

Thankfully, Young apologized to the children for drinking in public. But, you know, he's in his mid-20s. The dude should be able to drink in public -- chug even -- without having to ask for forgiveness. That said, a shirt wouldn't kill him, would it?