Scott Fujita hiked to the top of Machu Picchu in Peru and announced his retirement. The veteran linebacker went out on top, literally. While in South America, Fujita signed a one-day contract with the New Orleans Saints and walked away from the game.
"Timing-wise, it just seemed appropriate. This morning I woke up and hiked to the top of Machu Picchu and watched the sun rise and contemplated everything. This really is the end of one journey and the start of another," Fujita said.
Fujita ended his career with the Saints, the team he helped win a Super Bowl for. He spent four years in New Orleans, the longest tenure of his career. He was a starter on the 2009 team that beat the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl. He was also named the team's defensive captain in 2007. Fujita also spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns where he played the final two years of his career. Between 2010 and 2012, he was hampered by numerous injuries that cut his playing time down. He only played in 23 of 48 games in the final seasons. It was a neck injury last season that made him realized his playing days were over.
In his time with New Orleans, he led the team in tackles three straight years. In his career, he recorded 917 tackles, 23.5 sacks and 11 forced fumbles. He had seven interceptions and three fumble recoveries. While being a leader on the field, he made a difference in the community off the field. He led recovery efforts for the city of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina hit the city. He was also a voice in support of marriage equality while being a spokesman for Athlete Ally, an organization that supports sportsmanship in all levels of athletics.
Saints head coach Sean Payton credits Fujita with helping be a foundation for the team during their Super Championship season.
"He was the first free agent that we signed in 2006 and was a major part of what we've built and continue to build here in New Orleans. He was a cornerstone of the foundation that we've built and we won a World Championship together. It's been said that when you win a championship together, you walk together for the rest of your lives and that's certainly appropriate to celebrate on a day like today," Payton said in a released statement.
