NEW YORK -- David Garrard is out of the New York Jets quarterback competition. A person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Garrard plans to retire because of lingering knee issues. The 35-year-old Garrard was signed in March to provide veteran competition for Mark Sanchez. But Garrard, who hadnt played in a regular-season game in the NFL since 2010 because of injuries, is planning to step away because of knee troubles. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because neither the team nor Garrard had officially announced the decision. NFL Network first reported that Garrard planned to retire. SiriusXM Radio host Adam Schein said that Garrard told him in a text that he had to "call it quits" because "my knee is not holding up. Continuing to swell after practices. Limiting what I can do." The former Jacksonville Jaguars star was cut by the Miami Dolphins last summer after he needed arthroscopic surgery on his ailing left knee. Garrard was expected to be in the mix to compete for the Jets starting job along with Sanchez and second-round pick Geno Smith. New York, which cut Tim Tebow two weeks ago, also has Greg McElroy and Matt Simms on the roster. In a conference call with season ticket holders earlier in the day, new offensive co-ordinator Marty Mornhinweg insisted that the Jets starting QB job is up for grabs -- and that included Garrard at the time. "This will be a bona fide quarterback competition. Period," Mornhinweg said. "Im hoping that somebody will rise to the top quicker rather than later." Garrard, it now appears, will not be a part of that. The Jets could look to add another veteran quarterback to the mix, but it appears to solidify Sanchezs spot on the roster. It was likely the teams 2009 first-round pick would remain on the Jets, mainly because he is owed $8.25 million in guaranteed money. But there was some speculation that New York could take the salary cap hit and eat the contract by releasing Sanchez -- or trade him -- and let Smith battle Garrard for the job. Smith, the former record-breaking West Virginia star, was expected to be a first-round pick, but stunningly slid into the second round of the draft last month. The Jets, needing to fill several needs, surprised many by taking Smith and adding yet another quarterback to a crowded competition. Smith said last weekend that he had spoken with the other Jets quarterbacks since being drafted, and was asked specifically about his conversations with Garrard. "He spoke to me about just how he looks forward to competing with me, teaching me and mentoring me," Smith said. "I told him, Im all ears, Im an open sponge here. Im just here to learn and Im learning from every one. Its kind of like learning on the job." When he signed with the Jets, Garrard passed his physical with the team and said he had his sights set on having a chance at the starting job. He said he felt healthy at the time, adding that "my knee is great now." Garrard had apparently been having issues with it, though. Another person familiar with the situation told the AP that the quarterback wanted to have his knee examined either Tuesday or Wednesday morning, so it had clearly been bothering him during off-season workouts. That person, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the decision hadnt been announced, was not aware that Garrard was contemplating retirement as recently as last night. Garrard was a fourth-round pick of Jacksonville in 2002, and became the teams full-time starter in 2007. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2009, but was released before the 2011 season. Garrard signed with Miami in March 2012 and appeared to be the front-runner to be the starter ahead of rookie Ryan Tannehill and veteran Matt Moore, but was released after missing the preseason with a knee issue. He has thrown for 16,003 yards in his career, with 89 touchdowns and 54 interceptions. Garrard, also known for his mobility during his prime, has 17 career rushing touchdowns. Air Force 1 Alte Marble Pack . Still, Brewers manager Ron Roenicke thought taking him out before the fifth inning was an unusual move. "Im looking up at the board and hes got two hits given up and one run, and Im taking him out after the fourth inning," Roenicke said. Air Force 1 Italia . After Martin Skrtel put the Reds in front from close range at Stamford Bridge after only four minutes, Hazard hit back in the 17th with a superb strike. Etoo gave Jose Mourinhos team a decisive lead from Oscars back pass in the 34th. http://www.airforce1outletitalia.it/ . Uniteds eighth defeat of a wretched campaign means Liverpool, which currently occupies the fourth and final Champions League place, could go nine points clear of its fierce rival by beating West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. Charlie Adam scored both of Stokes goals at Britannia Stadium either side of Robin van Persies equalizer, with a miserable day for seventh-place United capped by first-half injuries to centre halves Jonny Evans and Phil Jones that forced them off. Air Force 1 Sp Italia . -- Anaheim Ducks captain and leading scorer Ryan Getzlaf has been scratched from Sunday nights game against the Vancouver Canucks because of an upper-body injury. Air Force 1 Alte Bianche . Self was acquired from the Buffalo Bandits in a trade for Alex Hill midway through last season, and made his debut in Rochester on March 16, 2013. Nico Rosberg was not expecting to be backed into rival cars by Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton at the championship-decider in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.In one last role of the dice, race leader Hamilton slowed his pace so that Rosberg would come under pressure from Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen in the final laps of the race. If Rosberg had dropped to fourth, a victory would have secured Hamilton the title, but ultimately the German held on to finish second 0.4s behind Hamilton and 0.4s ahead of Vettel.I wasnt expecting it, Rosberg said. Maybe I was a bit na?ve but I didnt expect it.Mercedes is yet to decide how to react to Hamiltons tactics after the defending champion disobeyed a series of radio calls from the pit wall telling him to up his pace. Even though Hamiltons driving could have cost Rosberg the title, the newly-crowned champion said he understands his teammates actions.It is not something we need to discuss because it is really easy to understand the teams side as we do something a certain way all year and we dont change it for one race. At the same time you can understand the side from Lewis because we are out their fighting as drivers and you can undersstand that he wants to try something.ddddddddddddWe will just leave it at that and dont need to discuss it.Rosberg could afford to lose one place to Vettel, which would have allowed the Ferrari to put pressure on Hamilton, but he said he did not want to give the position away for fear of Verstappen taking advantage.I had Sebastian Vettel behind so I wanted to try to hold on to second because once I drop one place to avoid a mess in front I knew Verstappen would be right behind so I didnt want that and him right behind him either.Rosberg also confirmed that there was no way to pass Hamilton, even when he was driving at a reduced pace.I couldnt, I was trying at times, but Lewis was driving really well. He pushed flatout from turn 21 all the way through the first sector and halfway through the second sector and that is where you overtake so I was never getting close enough.He has the same car as me so in fast corners there was no way for me to get past and then he backed off in the next part where you cant overtake. There was no way for me. ' ' '