Pro Bowl center Tobeck to retire (1 Viewer)

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Center Tobeck to retire after 13 NFL seasons

Associated Press

SEATTLE -- Seahawks center Robbie Tobeck, a former Pro Bowler, waited until after Seattle's season was over to confirm that it would be his last.

"I'm very, very proud of the career I've been able to have," Tobeck told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer after the Seahawks lost to Chicago 27-24 Sunday in overtime in the second round of the NFC playoffs.

"The biggest rewards for me were the teammates I've had, and the stories that I've gotten," he said. "I've been able to live a dream."

Tobeck, 36, a former All-Pacific-10 Conference center from Washington State, watched from the sidelines in Chicago after being out since midseason, when he was hospitalized because of an infection.

He said he had thought about retiring after last season, when he made the NFC Pro Bowl team and the Seahawks advanced to the Super Bowl before losing to Pittsburgh, "but I still had a little bit of fire in my belly."

After 13 seasons in the NFL, seven with Seattle, Tobeck said he looked forward to starting work next month as partner at an insurance brokerage in Bellevue, a job he has had in the offseason for five or six years.

Tobeck, who was signed by Atlanta as a free agent in 1993, became the Falcons' starting left guard two years later and switched to center in 1998. He signed with the Seahawks in 2000.

"I used to think I could come back and play one season as a backup," Tobeck said, "but there's absolutely no way I could do that. It's mind-numbing just standing around like that."

He also is eager to spend more time with his four children.

"The kids are kind of sad on one hand, but they're kind of excited on the other hand to spend a little more time with Dad," he said.

Another veteran Seattle player, fullback Mack Strong said he was unsure whether he would return for another season. Strong caught three passes for 20 yards, tying his game high this season, but also was out twice during the Bears game with stingers.

"I'm 35," Strong said. "I've got to start thinking about, 'Hey, how many more years can I do this.

This could affect SA.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Did you add the "this could affect SA" at the bottom? Just wondering. Probably not since Tobeck has been out for a good portion of the season and Chris Specncer was supposed to take over there this year anyway.

Tobeck had a great career but he likely won't be missed. Why? Because he is likely to stay with the organization in the capacity as coach which I think is great. Guy was a solid player and a leader on and off the field.

As far as Strong goes it is still up in the air but I wouldn't be surprised to see him leave. I think he would be missed as far as SA's production goes more than Tobeck but again, how much is really unknown. Heller did a great job at FB in Strong's absence yesterday and I think given Strong's age they can find a viable replacement. Either way good luck to both of these guys who have been rocks of Gibralter for so many years in Seattle. Hopefully Tobeck comes back as a coach.

 

[x260bm]

Did you add the "this could affect SA" at the bottom? Just wondering. Probably not since Tobeck has been out for a good portion of the season and Chris Specncer was supposed to take over there this year anyway. Tobeck had a great career but he likely won't be missed. Why? Because he is likely to stay with the organization in the capacity as coach which I think is great. Guy was a solid player and a leader on and off the field. As far as Strong goes it is still up in the air but I wouldn't be surprised to see him leave. I think he would be missed as far as SA's production goes more than Tobeck but again, how much is really unknown. Heller did a great job at FB in Strong's absence yesterday and I think given Strong's age they can find a viable replacement. Either way good luck to both of these guys who have been rocks of Gibralter for so many years in Seattle. Hopefully Tobeck comes back as a coach.

So Spencer is going to stay at center? I thought they might move him to guard.

 

[Balco]

Tobeck is not a big loss for the Hawks, as Spencer is a capable replacement. Strong is getting up their in years, but was still an effective blocker.

 

[mad sweeney]

Did you add the "this could affect SA" at the bottom? Just wondering. Probably not since Tobeck has been out for a good portion of the season and Chris Specncer was supposed to take over there this year anyway. Tobeck had a great career but he likely won't be missed. Why? Because he is likely to stay with the organization in the capacity as coach which I think is great. Guy was a solid player and a leader on and off the field. As far as Strong goes it is still up in the air but I wouldn't be surprised to see him leave. I think he would be missed as far as SA's production goes more than Tobeck but again, how much is really unknown. Heller did a great job at FB in Strong's absence yesterday and I think given Strong's age they can find a viable replacement. Either way good luck to both of these guys who have been rocks of Gibralter for so many years in Seattle. Hopefully Tobeck comes back as a coach.

So Spencer is going to stay at center? I thought they might move him to guard.

Spencer was drafted as a center and plays much better there than guard. Only reason he played guard was because of other injuries. As far as missing Tobeck, Spencer will pick up the slack physically but Tobeck was the QB of the OL and his presence will be missed as well as his good nature and leadership. He's one of Hass' best friends and has been an anchor.Strong has been a warrior and was lucky enough to play all his seasons with one team, a rare accomplishment for someone that good. We'll miss him but I think it's a good time for him to retire for his own health. They kjoke that he was 4 inches taller when he entered the league. I think we'll be fine at FB with Heller, Parry and Leonard Weaver off the IR next year, but you can't replace the leadership. One of the greatest to ever wear a Hawks uni.Bottom line, thouht their retirements are well deserved and have been prepped for in advance by the team, the hawks will lose two major leaders, two great guys and two lynch pins of the blocking. We'll miss them, but thanks for all the fine work!

 

[cacksman]

You could tell the Hawks lost a little in their run game when Strong went out in the 2nd half, especially short yardage. I dont know what kind of blocker Weaver is, but i he is not a solid run blocker, Seattle needs to sign one. Heller will not cut it.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

especially short yardage. ... Heller will not cut it.

I agree with the short yardage comment. Shaun is below average for short yardage use anyway.Heller played in the Chicago playoff game. Shaun did just fine. Without Tobeck also.

I dont think either hurts Shuan that much, if at all. Its replacing Hutch that still lingers.

http://www.superbowl.com/gamecenter/live/N...0070114_SEA@CHI

Shaun ran 9 for 33 in the first half. 17 for 75 in the 2nd.

 

[diesel7982]

I hope Tiki sees this article on how to retire in a classy way and not affect your team's season.

 

[texasbirdfan]

Center Tobeck to retire after 13 NFL seasonsAssociated PressSEATTLE -- Seahawks center Robbie Tobeck, a former Pro Bowler, waited until after Seattle's season was over to confirm that it would be his last."I'm very, very proud of the career I've been able to have," Tobeck told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer after the Seahawks lost to Chicago 27-24 Sunday in overtime in the second round of the NFC playoffs."The biggest rewards for me were the teammates I've had, and the stories that I've gotten," he said. "I've been able to live a dream."Tobeck, 36, a former All-Pacific-10 Conference center from Washington State, watched from the sidelines in Chicago after being out since midseason, when he was hospitalized because of an infection.He said he had thought about retiring after last season, when he made the NFC Pro Bowl team and the Seahawks advanced to the Super Bowl before losing to Pittsburgh, "but I still had a little bit of fire in my belly."After 13 seasons in the NFL, seven with Seattle, Tobeck said he looked forward to starting work next month as partner at an insurance brokerage in Bellevue, a job he has had in the offseason for five or six years.Tobeck, who was signed by Atlanta as a free agent in 1993, became the Falcons' starting left guard two years later and switched to center in 1998. He signed with the Seahawks in 2000."I used to think I could come back and play one season as a backup," Tobeck said, "but there's absolutely no way I could do that. It's mind-numbing just standing around like that."He also is eager to spend more time with his four children."The kids are kind of sad on one hand, but they're kind of excited on the other hand to spend a little more time with Dad," he said.Another veteran Seattle player, fullback Mack Strong said he was unsure whether he would return for another season. Strong caught three passes for 20 yards, tying his game high this season, but also was out twice during the Bears game with stingers."I'm 35," Strong said. "I've got to start thinking about, 'Hey, how many more years can I do this.This could affect SA.

Not that it matters a whole lot but he signed with Seattle in 1999 after Jamal Anderson chased 3 starting linemen into free agency after the NFC championship season, because he felt he was more important and held out in a non-contract year. Remember it quite well as I hated to see Tobeck go. Good guy and player..

 

[SteelerMurf]

I hope Tiki sees this article on how to retire in a classy way and not affect your team's season.

Tiki is about the only guy on the Giants that didn't tank it in this season.

 

[Limp Ditka]

I hope Tiki sees this article on how to retire in a classy way and not affect your team's season.

Tiki is about the only guy on the Giants that didn't tank it in this season.

This absolves him of going about it the wrong way?