Ashburn, VA (SportsNetwork.com) - Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher publicly stated that he is "about 99 percent certain" that he will conclude an outstanding 16-year playing career at the end of this season.
The 38-year-old ironman made the comments during a press conference held after the Redskins completed practice on Wednesday.
"I wanted to look at this opportunity to let the fans know that this will more than likely be my last season in the National Football League," said Fletcher. "With this being the final home game, I wanted to definitely get an opportunity to say goodbye to the burgundy and gold faithful. The fans at FedEx have been so graceful to me since my seven years here in Washington.
"I've got to leave at least one percent just in case I change my mind, but it's really just about having another conversation with my wife. But I just thought with this being the final home game, this being Dallas Cowboy week, an opportunity to go out in a bang, get the fans riled up, say thank you to them and beat the Cowboys. What better way to end it?"
Fletcher has registered at least 116 tackles in each of the last 12 seasons, but his most impressive streak is the 254 consecutive games he has played in since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the St. Louis Rams in 1998. The run is the longest ever by a defensive player in league history.
A Pro Bowl selection in four consecutive seasons, Fletcher has been credited with 1,193 total tackles along with 39 sacks and 23 interceptions for his career. An esteemed leader as well, he won a Super Bowl with the Rams during his second season in the league in 1999.
"I don't think there's any question about him being a Hall of Fame-caliber player," said Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan. "I think he's definitely a Hall of Fame-caliber player. His work speaks for itself, and to do what he's done and not miss games along the way, be with different organizations and lead those organizations wherever he's been, speaks volumes."
Fletcher spent four seasons with the Rams before signing with Buffalo as a free agent in 2002. He spent five seasons with the Bills before joining the Redskins prior to the 2007 campaign.
Following Sunday's clash with the rival Cowboys at FedEx Field, Washington closes out its 2013 season by visiting the New York Giants on Dec. 29.
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