His T-shirt said it all in bold red letters: freedom.

And as Jake Plummer stood at a dais at the Denver Athletic Club, where he was scheduled to play in a state doubles handball tournament, that's exactly what he talked about, his new- found independence.

His retirement March 3, after the Broncos traded the quarterback to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has been a source of speculation for more than a week.

Was it some kind of ploy? Was he angling to join the Houston Texans or some other team?

Plummer tried to quell the talk by addressing a handful of reporters and several television cameras.

Still, he didn't take any questions, noting there were things he couldn't discuss, so the door wasn't boarded shut - just closed tighter.

"There still will be some speculation," he said. "But not about my retiring."

Plummer cited his optimal physical condition and strong conviction to branch out in his life for his decision to step away after a decade in pro football, which began in 1997 with the Arizona Cardinals.

"At 32 years old, I'm running away from the game, not in fear or fright, but meaning healthwise," he said. "I'm healthy. I'm happy. I have a lot to look forward to in my life. The NFL's been a grand experience for me in many, many ways. I've poured my heart and soul into the game, not only in the NFL, but in college and high school for upwards of 20 years, even counting junior high and Pop Warner. And I'm ready to move on . . . and try some new challenges."

Plummer was benched late last season in favor of rookie Jay Cutler and, according to those close to him, began thinking earnestly about stepping away then. The Broncos, meanwhile, hoped to convert his winning experience with them into draft capital and did just that March 3 when they obtained a fourth-round pick in exchange for Plummer.

But that's when Plummer, or, more specifically, people around him, went public with his decision to retire, and the conjecture began. It only grew when it was learned that the league had yet to receive Plummer's retirement papers.

"There will not be a jersey that has the NFL patch right here on my body," Plummer said, pointing to his chest. "Unless I'm wearing, I don't know who. . . . If (close friend and Broncos backup QB) Preston Parsons gets in, maybe I'll have his jersey on."

After the initial Denver-Tampa Bay trade fell through, the teams got together again on a follow-up deal in which the Bucs sent the Broncos a conditional 2008 draft pick for Plummer's rights. That second deal prevents Plummer from changing his mind and getting to choose his next team. The NFL players' union has hinted it will file a grievance on Plummer's behalf, saying Denver can't trade the rights to a retired player.

The Broncos still could go after the $5 million proration remaining from two bonuses Plummer received last season.

Those pending issues probably kept Plummer from going beyond his 4 1/2-minute media statement Friday and doing a Q&A session.

Echoing a written statement he made on his foundation's Web site last week, Plummer thanked his teammates - whose absence he noted will make his decision the hardest to take. He also cited coaches and the paying customers in the Denver and Phoenix areas for their support.

"There are a lot of fans out there that are questioning my decision, but it's my decision and it's from the heart," he said.

But, he added, "I know full well that I will miss the game."

rasizerl@RockyMountainNews.com