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New Orleans Saints center Olin Kreutz has decided to leave the team, according to agent Mark Bartelstein, because he felt like he was not able to bring the same passion to work every day that he had throughout his 14-year career.

"He decided, 'If I can't bring that same passion every day to work, I'm not gonna just sit here and collect a paycheck,'" Bartelstein said. "That's the way he is. Olin's a little different than most guys. People say all the time that it's not about the money. That's really how it is with him. It never has been."

Kreutz, who spent his first 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears, signed a one-year deal worth $2 million to join the Saints. The deal did not include a signing bonus, so he will be paid for the games he played but forfeit the remaining portion of his salary.

Bartelstein said Kreutz has not officially decided to retire yet, but he plans to walk away for now and spend time with his family. Bartelstein said there was no conflict with the team or the coaching staff or how he was being used that led to the decision.

"No, he was starting, he's on a great team with a great contract. He just wasn't getting the right vibe about how he felt," Bartelstein said. "He has played 14 years in this league, and what made him a Hall of Famer was his passion and love for the game. He has felt for the last few weeks that flame inside him isn't really burning."

Kreutz just returned to the lineup last Sunday at Tampa Bay after missing two games with a knee injury.

The Saints have not yet commented on Kreutz's decision. Bartelstein said the team wasn't happy about it, but they understood it.

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Kreutz has left the team according to Jeff Tripplette's Twitter.

Thank God. He sucked.

darstep

He didn't practice Wednesday because of "personal reasons".
I wonder what's up with Kruetz?

DLP looked pretty good before Kruetz stepped in.
Hopefully he picks up where he left off.

FireVenturi

Peace out.

Rugby Saint II

I noticed he wasn't practicing with the team on Wednesday.........I sure hope we have a back up center waiting in the wings.
Edit: I know we have Tennant, but apparently he's not impressing the coaching staff.

strato

Well sorry to hear that..but DLP was playing better and Tennant can back him.. Strief the other O-Lineman..now we can activate Ivory...I think he saw he was fixing to become 2nd string...

Speedy Ron

thank god...kreutz has been garbage. he says he "no longer feels the passion" and you could tell by the way he has been playing. when a lifetime journeyman outplays you something isnt right. happy to see him go. i hated his stupid neck roll tol

SmashMouth

Hmmmmm ... interesting .... who can we bring in for a backup?

44Champs

I read on another site where he got into an argument with the O-Line coach. Bye Bye Mr. Turnstile

WhoDat!656

Get to kicking rocks mo-fo!!

NOS2SB

I knew he was bad ju ju from the get go. I said it in the thread that announced he was coming over to the Saints. I'm glad he was honest and didn't fake the funk the entire season. Could have hurt us down the road.