When ex-New York Giants defensive back Antrel Rolle announced his retirement last week, the fraternity of first-round picks from 2005 who are still playing lost another member.
The list has shrunk to six players – three of whom will be at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday when the Carolina Panthers host the Kansas City Chiefs in a key intraconference game.
Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith will start Sunday after sitting out last week with a head injury. And Kansas City linebacker Derrick Johnson remains productive in his 12th year.
They’ll oppose Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis, who at 33 with a thrice-repaired right knee is playing some of the best football of his career.