Drew Bennett's Glorious Run With Ravens Ends in Retirement

On Thursday, the Ravens agreed to a deal with veteran wide receiver Drew Bennett, in hopes that he would fill the gap created by Derrick Mason's retirement. That plan lasted all of three days.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Bennett decided to retire on Sunday due to an old knee injury.

"After returning home from Baltimore this weekend, a previous knee injury flared up, making me realize that I am unable to play another NFL season," Bennett said in a statement released by his agent. "Therefore, I have decided to retire from the National Football League."

J.J. Cooper: Ravens Are Stuck in Tough Spot

To state the obvious, this is a disappointing blow for both Bennett and the Ravens. With Mason's pending retirement, Bennett was the stopgap option Baltimore was hoping would keep its offense together. Instead, it's back to the drawing board in an effort to find a complement to Mark Clayton.

Bennett, meanwhile, loses a golden opportunity. After sitting out most of the 2008 season with a foot injury, Bennett seemingly had found himself a reserved starting spot.

But one of the knocks on Bennett has been his inability to stay healthy, so perhaps this is a fitting conclusion to his career.

"I want to thank coach [John] Harbaugh, [offensive coordinator Cam] Cameron and Ozzie Newsome for offering me the opportunity to be a part of their outstanding organization, and apologize to them for this unfortunate situation," Bennett added in his statement. "I have been blessed to have the opportunity to play in the NFL for as long as I have, but it is time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life."

The same can be said for Baltimore, too, which now likely turns its attention back to the available market of wide receivers. Names like Matt Jones, Marvin Harrison and D.J. Hackett and will surface again, as will Brandon Marshall.

The Ravens can only hope that their next new starter sticks around a little longer.

Sports Retirements

In surprising fashion, NFL wide receiver Drew Bennett retires just days after signing a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens. Click through to see sports stars who hung it up recently.

Jeff Roberson, AP

July 9: Colorado Avalanche center Joe Sakic finally retired after 20 memorable seasons in the NHL, which included two Stanley Cup victories and 13 All-Star Game selections.

Jack Dempsey, AP

June 8: Dan Morgan, a first-round pick in the 2001 draft, announced his retirement for the second time after an inability to overcome numerous injuries.

Doug Benc, Getty Images

May 6: Holly McPeak, who won 72 career titles, called it quits from the Association of Volleyball Professionals Tour.

Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

April 21: "For me, basketball is over," Dikembe Mutombo said after a knee injury knocked him out of the Rockets' playoff game against the Trail Blazers. The 18-year veteran was the NBA's oldest player at 43.

Sam Forencich, NBAE/Getty Images

April 14: Oscar De La Hoya calls it a career after winning an Olympic gold medal and 10 world titles in six divisions.

John Gurzinski, AFP / Getty Images

March 23: Pitcher Curt Schilling announced on his blog that he's retiring after 23 years with "zero regrets."

Winslow Townson, AP

Dec. 11, 2008: Cuttino Mobley announced he was forced to retire because of a heart disease.

NBA/Getty Images

Dec. 8: Morten Anderson, who scored 2,437 points during his career, retired from the NFL at age 48.

Doug Benc, Getty Images

Dec. 8: Four-time Cy Young winner Greg Maddux officially announced his retirement. The 42-year-old legend, who earned a record 18 Gold Gloves, finished eighth on the career wins list with 355.

Kevork Djansezian, AP