Jack Vegas

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.

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