Panthers' Minter Pondering Retiring Before The Season

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) -- Carolina Panthers safety Mike Minter says he might retire before the start of the season due to severe knee pain.<br/><br/>The 33-year-old Minter, who played at Lawton High School,

Friday, August 3rd 2007, 2:30 pm

By: News On 6

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) -- Carolina Panthers safety Mike Minter says he might retire before the start of the season due to severe knee pain.

The 33-year-old Minter, who played at Lawton High School, had previously said 2007 would be his last season. He has sat out several practices in training camp, he didn't practice Friday morning and said he's been in discussions with team officials about whether his body will hold up.

Minter, entering his 11th season with Carolina, is the franchise's career leader in tackles. His 141 starts and 94 consecutive starts are also team records.

Minter took a pay cut to play one more season with the team that drafted him in the second round in 1997. Minter is expected to start at free safety.