Zdeno Chara signed a one-day contract to retire from the NHL as a Boston Bruin. He talks about making the decision to retire, and what playing for the Bruins meant to him.
The No. 33 jersey has been worn by many star athletes over the years. Two of the greatest players ever to wear the number in any sport played in Boston.
Celtics legend Larry Bird is arguably the most famous No. 33 in sports history. The C's assured no one else will don No. 33 in Boston when they raised his jersey to the TD Garden rafters in 1993.
Highlighting Zdeno Chara's best Bruins moments and career accomplishments
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Zdeno Chara will be the next No. 33 to be immortalized in Boston. The longtime Bruins defenseman signed a one-day contract to retire with the organization on Tuesday and his sweater will eventually join Bird's jersey in Boston sports lore.
Here's a full list of the greatest Boston athletes ever to wear No. 33.
Larry Bird, F, Celtics
When you think No. 33, Larry Bird should be the name that immediately comes to mind. The Hall of Famer made the Celtics appointment viewing in the 1980s, leading Boston to three NBA titles while winning three MVP awards and making 12 All-Star teams. He averaged at least 20 points per game in all but two of his 13 NBA seasons. There will never be anyone quite like "Larry Legend" again.
NHL
Zdeno Chara, D, Bruins
Chara was instrumental in leading the Bruins to a Stanley Cup championship in 2011 and was the heart and soul of the franchise for 14 seasons (2006-20). The 2008-09 Norris Trophy winner will go down as one of the greatest and most physically dominant NHL defenseman of all time. He finished his career with 148 goals and 333 assists in 1,023 games.
Jason Varitek, C, Red Sox
Varitek spent his entire MLB career (1997-2011) in Boston, helping the Red Sox to World Series titles in 2004 and '07. He was named team captain in 2005 and is the last Red Sox player to earn the honor. On top of being a three-time All-Star, Varitek was invaluable for his leadership in the clubhouse.
Kevin Faulk, RB, Patriots
Faulk played all 13 of his NFL seasons in New England (1999-2011). A true dual-threat running back, he was a key contributor during the Patriots' dynastic run and has three Super Bowl rings to show for it. He finished his career with 3,607 rushing yards, 3,701 receiving yards, and 31 total touchdowns (16 rushing, 15 receiving).
Tony Collins, RB, Patriots
Collins was Kevin Faulk before Kevin Faulk, though he didn't have as long and successful of a career. He was with the Patriots from 1981-87, totaling 4,647 rushing yards for 32 TDs and 2,356 receiving yards for 12 TDs. The Pro Bowler played in Super Bowl XX but unlike Faulk, was unable to add a Lombardi Trophy to his resume.