Panthers head coach John Fox sent him into the game to take the final kneel-down snap in a game which the Panthers won 31–23 over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, expectantly bringing to an end to the 44-year-old's 21-year NFL career at the same city he was originally drafted. By the start of 2008, he made it official by announcing his retirement from professional football in January. He, therefore, first became eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.