It appears The Bachelor has found a more attractive suitor.
Quarterback Jesse Palmer — perhaps best known for his rose-dispensing turn on the U.S. reality television series — has retired from the Canadian Football League to pursue a broadcasting career in the U.S.
Jesse Palmer's last job in the NFL was as a member of the San Franciso 49ers.
(Paul Sakuma/Associated Press)
The Ottawa native informed the Montreal Alouettes of his decision this week, coach and general manager Jim Popp said on a conference call Thursday.
Though he never suited up in the CFL, Palmer, 28, spent the second half of last season on the Alouettes' developmental roster after five mostly uneventful seasons in the NFL with the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers.
Popp said he made it clear that veteran Anthony Calvillo will remain his No. 1 quarterback, but claimed that did not influence Palmer's decision to leave the team.
"From the day Jesse Palmer joined this team until he decided he would retire, it was always clear that until Anthony Calvillo was beat out, he will be the quarterback," said Popp.
In eight career NFL games, including three starts, Palmer threw for 562 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions.
Palmer appeared as a colour commentator on the FOX network for two games late in the 2005 NFL season. His work was generally well received, and he returned to television in April as an analyst for the NFL Network's coverage of the college draft.
With files from the Canadian Press
