No doubt in Beuerlein's head that he wanted to retire as a Carolina Panther.

Steve Beuerlein, who holds every passing record in Carolina history, retired July 28 as a Panther.
Beuerlein spent his last three seasons in Denver, but the Broncos released him in May to give him time to decide if he wanted to play an 18th season in the league.
When the 39-year-old decided he would retire, he called Carolina, where he spent his best seasons as a pro. Beuerlein was with the Panthers from 1996 to 2000, and went to the Pro Bowl in 1999 after passing for 4,436 yards and 36 touchdowns.
"This in my mind was the way it was meant to be," he said. "I couldn't think of a better way to bring this 17-year run to an end. My heart has always been here with this organization and when I sat back and decided I wanted to step down, there was no doubt I wanted to do it as a Carolina Panther."
Beuerlein was extremely popular in Carolina, taking over as the starting quarterback the fifth game of the 1998 season when Kerry Collins quit the team.
He then started 44 consecutive games, setting Carolina records with 12,690 yards passing and 86 touchdowns.
He was released before the 2001 season by George Seifert, who wanted to give Jeff Lewis and Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke a chance.
The move was extremely unpopular -- and Beuerlein acknowledged it took some time to get over his bitterness -- and it turned out to be a horrible decision for the Panthers: Lewis was cut before the season began, Weinke became the starter as a rookie and Carolina went 1-15 that year.
Seifert was fired at the end, Weinke is now the third-string quarterback in Carolina and Lewis is out of the league.
Beuerlein began his playing career with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1987 and also played for Dallas, Arizona, Jacksonville and Denver. He finished his career with 24,046 yards passing and 147 touchdown passes.
"Steve was a leader, a warrior and a friend," Carolina general manager Marty Hurney said. "He exemplifies what this organization looks for in a person."

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