[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes: More retirements
Not on the team, but just some alumni.

Safety Jon Brotzman quit the game after sitting out the 2102 season without a team. It makes it really too bad that he didn't want to sign a one-year deal with us last season. Sometimes undrafted rookies work out and Brotzman was one of those. Although he sat out most of his 2090 rookie campaign and was limited to special teams duties in 2091, in 2092 he became a regular on the defense. Mostly a zone defender, naturally he was more of a nickel and dime back than a true safety. He played 179 games for the Merchantmen, including the 4 in the playoffs back in 2091 and 2092.

Left tackle Johnnie Houston also sat out 2102 and decided to stop waiting. A disappointing decision, but sadly we couldn't afford him anymore last season, amongst others. A second round pick, he kind of lived up to expectations and turned into a solid, non-exceptional pass protector, good enough to play on the blindside. We made him a starter from his rookie season onwards, which resulted in 126 regular season games of action. The 2096 season was the most bizar one for him, recording just 1 key run block in 13 games, while at the same time allowing just 4 sacks. He was the weak spot on our O-Line in terms of run blocking otherwise, but good enough to stick around, until cap woes arose. Alas, now his football career is over.