Former Jet Mawae decides to call it quits

The president of the NFL Players Association said he got one offer from a team this year. It came too late, and Kevin Mawae said Friday he decided being with family was more important than his passion to keep playing in the league.

The veteran offensive lineman announced his retirement from the NFL after 16 seasons and eight Pro Bowls in a news conference while standing in front of banners for the union and LSU, across the street from Vanderbilt University, where he has been working as a strength and conditioning intern.

A four-year starter at LSU, the 6-4, 289-pound Mawae was drafted in the second round in 1994 by the Seahawks and also played for the Jets before landing with the Titans in 2006.

A framed LSU jersey with Mawae's college number 52 stood to his left, a present from Tigers coach Les Miles who's in town for a game Saturday night.

"My brother reminded me I have nothing to prove nor do I have anything to lose in this decision," an emotional Mawae said.

"I've done everything an NFL player can want to do except winning a championship. With that, I walk away from the NFL on my own terms and with the only regret that of not being a Super Bowl champion."

Mawae played for Tennessee last season, starting all 16 games and helping block for Chris Johnson as he ran for 2,006 yards.

Brady is highest paid

Tom Brady was back at practice Friday, a day after he followed an early morning car accident with a four-year contract extension that will make him the highest-paid player in the NFL. When it begins in 2011, the deal will pay him an average of $18 million per season with a guarantee of $48.5 million.

"Nobody deserves it more, and I'm happy for him," receiver Wes Welker said.

Brady will make $6.5 million this season in the final year of a six-year deal, declined to talk to reporters who approached him during Friday's media availability.

Odom set to play

Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom is expected to play in the season opener at New England while he appeals a suspension for using a banned substance . . . Cowboys' injured offensive linemen Marc Colombo and Kyle Kosier were ruled out for the opener against the Redskins . . . Thursday's Vikings-Saints opener earned the highest rating for a regular-season, prime-time game in 12 years. NBC said that New Orleans' 14-9 win in a rematch of the NFC championship drew a 16.5 rating and 28 share. - AP