Cardinals' Palmer announces retirement

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer announced his retirement in an open letter released by the team Tuesday.

Palmer, a Heisman Trophy winner out of USC, was drafted first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2003 and helped guide the team to two postseason appearances and a division title in 2005, a year in which he led the NFL in touchdown passes.

Injuries forced Palmer to consider retirement in 2010, but he ultimately decided to return and was subsequently traded to the Oakland Raiders for one season before being dealt to the Cardinals, a team he's been with ever since. One of Palmer's best seasons came in 2015 with Arizona as the then 35-year-old appeared in 16 games, throwing 35 touchdowns against 11 picks while maintaining a career-high 104.6 passer rating. The Cardinals went on to lose to the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship.

The 38-year-old steps away from the game after 14 seasons and three Pro Bowl selections (2005, 2006, and 2015).