*Deringer Rides into the Sunset

[GoonerBear]

SAN JOSE, CA -- With the final game of his career wrapped up, Kolby Deringer has decided he is going to return to his childhood home of Slidell, Louisiana, a region he has still cared for and given to, even since Hurricane Katrina forced his departure. The 11-year NSFL LB leaves his 1A home of San Jose, though promised in postgame interviews he would be back often to see future SaberCats games.

"It's so strange by this point," he said in a press conference after their 44-7 loss to Yellowknife. "It's like having to move away all over again, though for the first time, I'll have to seriously sit down and think what I want to do now. I already decided I couldn't keep up and that I was gonna retire. Maybe I'll stick around the game, coach some youth football...heck, maybe Texas will have a spot for me, the way they rotate through coaches since Mack Brown."

Deringer recounted fond memories of San Jose and of the club once considered "cursed" until they won the Season 14 Ultimus.

"There was so much crap thrown our way, especially from downstate," Deringer said. "Orange County is a great organization. Them winning eight titles by now is a testament to that. Still, they were the team we loved to hate the most. It was a hard night tonight, though I'm glad the organization is optimistic about their draft stock for next year."

When asked if he would consider an organizational role for the SaberCats, he shook his head. "I'd need to take some time to prove myself elsewhere first. Even then, I might like one of my other homes too much. At least if I go to Texas, I can give the local Copperheads a good feather-ruffling. The Cats coming to play them would be a must-watch for me."

For the time being, there was only one thing left for him to say.

"Thank you all. I'm happy I got this opportunity for 11 years to play in the top level. Not many guys get even a cursory look, or a cup of coffee, if that. I love all of you and I hope to keep seeing you around. And if you call me back to give me a jacket and a bust, I'm not gonna complain."

Total statistics (regular season + postseason)
157 games across 11 seasons (all for SJS)
1105 tackles (16 for loss), 75 sacks
120 passes defended, 9 interceptions, 2 INT TDs
6 fumbles forced, 6 fumbles recovered, 2 safeties
21 Defensive Player of the Game Honors

Awards
1-time Ultimus Champion (Ultimus XIV)
2-time ASFC Champion
1-time Ultimus Defensive Player of the Game (Ultimus XV)
5-time Pro Bowler
1-time Defensive Rookie of the Year

See you around...

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[Rradum]

[Frick_Nasty]

HoF

[Lowlycrib]

Been a pleasure playing alongside you these past 4 seasons. HoFer

[terriblehippo]

The league definitely won't be the same without you in it. I've gotten used to seeing your name at the top of the tackles list each season, and it'll be strange not seeing it anywhere on that list next season.

It's truly been an honor competing against you the past few seasons. Enjoy your retirement and your spot in the Hall of Fame!

[iseedoug]

Darn you for passing all my stats.

But congrats on a great career!