FLOWERY BRANCH (AP) — Veteran wide receiver Lance Moore retired Monday, telling the Atlanta Falcons his heart wasn't in it only three days after signing with the team as a free agent.
The Falcons announced Moore's retirement before practice. Coach Dan Quinn said he admired Moore's integrity.
"I've got a lot of respect for him as a man," Quinn said. "I thought it was real admirable, his approach. What a pro to say, 'If my heart is not in it, I want to make sure I'm not taking the opportunity from somebody else.' I thought, what a classy guy.
"I wish him the best. A guy like that you know is going to be very successful past his football career."
Moore, the former longtime New Orleans Saints receiver, signed Friday to compete for the No. 5 spot at his position. He was competing for a spot behind Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu, Justin Hardy, Eric Weems and possibly rookie Devin Fuller.
Quinn has said wide receiver is among the most competitive positions on the team, even after veterans Roddy White and Devin Hester were released.
Among other receivers competing for spots are Nick Williams, Aldrick Robinson, Corey Washington, David Glidden, J.D. McKissic and Jordan Leslie.
Moore, 32, had 389 career receptions for 4,816 yards and 44 touchdowns in eight years with New Orleans. He had a combined 43 catches the last two years with Pittsburgh and Detroit.
