I think it's safe to say that Trent Dilfer still has a place in a lot of Seahawks' fans hearts for his efforts on the field and the tragedy of his young son Trevin's death in April 2003.

Dilfer has persevered and forged a 13-year NFL career that included four seasons in Seattle -- 2001 to 2004 -- and certainly played a part in building the confidence of and mentoring QB Matt Hasselbeck, who is today one of the NFL's best.

Plus Dilfer is, as a person who shall remain nameless (Initials D.O.) says, "straight outta Aptos," as in the town of Aptos, Calif., a sleepy hamlet along California's Central coast.

These days Dilfer, 36, is headed for retirement from the game, which he discussed in a conference call with reporters today in Stateline, Nev., at the American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament at Lake Tahoe.

An injured Achilles just made the decision come faster. You might remember that crazy Dallas game in 2002 (my first season covering the team, by the way) when Dilfer started, tore his Achilles early in the game and was replaced by Hasselbeck, who has held the starting QB job except for injury ever since. That game was also the one in which Emmitt Smith broke the NFL record for career rushing yards and when former Seattle WR Darrell Jackson suffered a seizure in the locker room after the game.

But back to Dilfer...

"I was going to retire anyway. This just gives clarity to the situation. There will be a formal announcement in the next few days about that," Dilfer said. "And I'm just really thrilled and looking forward to what's next for me. And obviously miss football. It's been a huge part of my life. But from here on out I'm excited about the possibilities and looking forward."

Dilfer is married with three daughters and said he's thinking about living in Tahoe year-round.

Dilfer was also asked about his football memories. Here's on from his time in Baltimore, where he won a Super Bowl after the 2000 season.

"My fondest memory is probably the AFC championship game, going back home to Oakland and playing in front of so many friends and family and winning the way we did."

"You have to go back and remember that season. They were the favorites from the AFC and one of the hottest teams going in and nobody gave us much of a chance. So to beat them the way we did, and to make the big play with Shannon [Sharpe] and to do it in front of so many friends and family was probably the highlight."

Added Dilfer about what he would miss: "The camaraderie. I think everybody I talked to says that that's about the hardest thing to get away from, is just the locker room, just being around the guys each day, the routine of the season. And then just being part of the team. Being part of the team is a special thing."

"And that's what I've always enjoyed most about football, the team sport. And so that's going to be very difficult. But I knew this time was coming, and here it is. So it's a hill you've got to climb."