Panthers' Savage delays retirement - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff

Last week, Albany Panthers head coach Lucious Davis said last week on WALB News 10 Sports  he believed the return of many of the Panthers for next season would bring veteran receiver Antwone Savage out of his retirement.

Coach Davis was right.

Antwone Savage signed for what will be his ninth season in indoor football Thursday morning at the Panthers team office in downtown Albany.

General manager Will Carter calls it a Thanksgiving treat for the Panthers with fans asking this offseason if the former Oklahoma Sooner will come back for another season.

There is no way to determine his exact touchdown totals since the AF2 and SIFL leagues no longer exist but Antwone Savage has been one of the best receivers indoor football for the last nine years.

Savage says the chance to play to win third title with his teammates and not having to go through all of the practices are why he is back for another season.

"Coming to practice every day. Working hard in training camp. That is something you do as a rookie when you are trying to learn the game. Being a vet you can go in and mentally go through practice not actually have to run and physically go through the hard practice. I still have got the hands, the 40 and the speed. I am going to be there" , said receiver Antwone Savage.

General manager Will Carter estimates 85% of last year's PIFL championship team has now signed for 2013.

That includes fullback Derrick Wimbush, linebacker Larry Edwards and linemen Demetrice Jackson, Aaron Wheeler and Anton Ceaser.

Copyright 2012 WALB.  All rights reserved.