[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen legend Gabe Broady retires
Return specialist Gabe Broady has decided to call it a game. An undrafted rookie signing in 2081 for the Maassluis Merchantmen, Broady was initially a bit of a roster filler. But midway through the season, the punt return duties were given to him. For a majority of the following five and a half seasons, Broady posted phenomenal numbers. With 17.0 yards per return (highest average in IHOF history) and 8 touchdowns (tied second most in IHOF history), he's considered an all time great. But father time visited early and in 2087 Broady's seemingly undisputed status fell apart, in part initiated due to his fumbling habits, but also by the emergence of Courtney Blackwell. Broady was released during the 2088 off-season and by lack of interest from any of the 31 other IHOF franchises, Broady decided it was no longer worth waiting for a call.

Elsewhere across the USA, five other former Merchantmen players announced their retirements. Running back Leonard Belin played 97 games in Maassluis and had 3 1,000-yard seasons. Tight end Nicholas Grundy was a special teamer for 4 seasons. 2086 first round pick cornerback Lee Hancock was a two-season starter, but failed to make the 2088 regular season roster. Defensive end Wendell Marshall's one season in Maassluis was a very strong one with 12.0 sacks in that 2084 season. Defensive end Ezekiel Wylie played 121 games in 7 seasons, usually being one of the guys in a four-men rotation.