SaberCats Hundon announces retirement
December 6, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Dec. 6, 2005) - After failing to fully recover from an injury that sidelined him for the entire 2005 season, San Jose SaberCats OS JAMES HUNDON officially announced his retirement from the Arena Football League.
Just days before the SaberCats 2005 season opener, Hundon experienced numbness in his fingers and hands and was diagnosed with a cervical spine injury. Team doctors advised the former All-AFL performer not to play the season.
"I remember taking a hit in training camp and the next thing I know doctors are telling me that it wouldn't be wise for me to continue playing," Hundon said. "Not only did I find out I had a pinched nerve, but the doctors also told me I had a bulging disc and my fifth vertebrae was fractured. Hearing stuff like that is scary."
After nearly a year of rehabilitation and therapy, Hundon held out hopes of a return to the playing field in 2006. But those hopes were squashed during a recent visit to the doctor.
"I had a glimmer of hope this summer because I was able to start catching some passes," Hundon explained. "But then I went to the doctor and he told me my nerve was still pinched and it would be wise to not play anymore."
Always a fan favorite during his four years with the SaberCats, Hundon was a part of two ArenaBowl championship teams and one of the top receivers in club history. He set season records with 1,464 receiving yards and 35 touchdown catches playing all 14 games during San Jose's first title season in 2002. He is also the franchise career leader in 100-yard receiving games with 22 and ranks second in receiving yards (4,648) and touchdown receptions (99).
"I'm going to miss playing so much because San Jose was the most supportive place I ever played," Hundon said. "A lot of the fans were very personal with me. They would see me on the street and tell me what a great experience for them it was watching me play."
So ends a football career that saw the Bay Area native star professionally in the National Football League, Canadian Football League and the Xtreme Football League along with the AFL. A picture of Hundon making a catch during a game while a member of the XFL's San Francisco Demons graced the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine in 2001.
"It's heartbreaking that I can't play, but my body was letting me know that it was time for me to stop," Hundon said emotionally. "I want to thank San Jose for giving me the opportunity to continue playing football when no one else wanted to."
Although his playing career may be over, Hundon still hopes to be involved with the SaberCats organization. "I didn't want my career to end on these terms, but I would like to continue to still be a part of the team in some way."
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