Jeff Garcia didn't talk like a guy eager to play football next season

Yellow-brown skin discoloration stood out around the bandage covering the bridge of Jeff Garcia’s nose after Sunday’s game against the Chargers.

It looked like his nose met a windshield rather than a Chargers’ defender.

Joe had some one-on-one time with Garcia after his post-game news conference Sunday. And when it comes to interviewing a banged up, nearly 39-year-old quarterback, you have to ask the ultimate question, “Are you planning on hanging up the cleats after the season?”

Garcia did not answer like a warrior eager for more battles.

He talked like a guy considering retirement. Joe believes this was Garcia’s first public acknowledgement that his immediate future may lie outside of football.

“I really try not to focus too much on what’s going to happen in the future,” Garcia said. “I’m really trying to make the most of this opportunity right now. What’s in store for next season, I haven’t even thought about.

“Whether I’ll continue to play is even up in the air. Right now it’s wanting to finish this season off the best way possible. Hopefully, give ourselves a chance to continue in the postseason. When the offseason comes I will re-evaluate my situation. And I will take the input from my family, because that is most important for me, and go from there.”

Joe will post more comments from Garcia over the next couple of days. As a fan of the NFL, Joe would like to see Garcia keep playing, whether in Tampa or somewhere else. He’s good for the game, and surely, there’s a job for him out there.