Dilfer says he will retire

Veteran QB was a possible backup for Rodgers if Packers weren't satisfied with rookies

Trent Dilfer, who led the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl victory, on Wednesday said he will be announcing his retirement soon.

Speaking via conference call from the American Century Championships in Lake Tahoe, Dilfer said he would not be competing in this week’s celebrity golf showcase because of an injured Achilles. The injury solidified his plan to retire.

Before the Brett Favre hullabaloo, Dilfer was mentioned as a possibility to be Aaron Rodgers’ backup quarterback, should rookies Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn not be up to the task. Dilfer and Rodgers are good friends — Rodgers said Dilfer would be in his dream golf foursome — and Dilfer, 36, would have provided a sideline mentor for Rodgers and a veteran signal-caller capable of keeping the Packers afloat should Rodgers be out of action.

Dilfer said a formal announcement about his retirement will be made in “the next few days.”

Dilfer, the sixth overall pick of the 1994 draft by Tampa Bay, led Baltimore past the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. Dilfer lost his first start in place of Tony Banks, then won his next 11 to lead the Ravens to the championship.