The National Football League is more competitive than ever before. The league has tried to improve protection for players but the NFL remains one of the most physically demanding leagues in sport.
As a direct result of injury issues, many NFL players decide to retire early. Some even hang up their cleats before they have even reached their peak – much to the disappointment of NFL betting fans around the world.
Top NFL Players Who Retired Early:
- Barry Sanders
- Jim Brown
- Calvin Johnson
- Luke Kuechly
- Andrew Luck
- Billy Sims
- Patrick Willis
- Lynn Swann
- Rashard Mendenhall
- Barry Foster
However, even the most ardent NFL follower couldn’t argue against a player’s decision when health is at risk. Safety measures are paramount but there will always be risks when playing American football.
With so much money in the sport, NFL players can opt to retire early in order to limit their chances of injury down the line. Without further ado, here are 10 of the greatest players to announce early retirement.
10) Barry Foster
Playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Foster’s NFL career lasted just five years but it was a successful five years, with two Pro Bowl selections and an AFC Offensive Player of the Year award.
He was unbelievable in 1992, setting the Steelers single season rushing record with 1,690 yards. During that year, he had 12 games with over 100 rushing yards – but injury cut his career short.
Absences impacted his ability to perform in 1993 and 1994 and he officially retired in 1995, just five years after joining the organisation.
9) Rashard Mendenhall
Mendenhall enjoyed Super Bowl success at Pittsburgh before joining the Arizona Cardinals at the end of his initial rookie contract.
However, Mendenhall sent shockwaves across the National Football League when he confirmed his retirement at the age of 26 – just one year after signing with the Cardinals.
The running back released a statement, explaining, “I tell them that I’ve greatly enjoyed my time, but I no longer wish to put my body at risk for the sake of entertainment.”
8) Lynn Swann
Swann was a key figure for the Steelers during their incredible dynasty era in the 1970s and 80s, helping the organisation to an incredible four Super Bowl titles.
Now named in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Swann achieved everything there is to achieve during his tenure at Heinz Field and decided to go out on his terms.
The Steelers wide receiver hung up his cleats at the age of 30, working as a broadcaster before branching out into politics in his later years.
7) Patrick Willis
When the San Francisco 49ers selected Willis in the 2007 NFL Draft, everybody knew it was a great move. The 49ers and Willis were a match made in heaven.
Popular in NFL football picks throughout his career, Willis was named in the Pro Bowl in each of his first seven seasons in the league before a toe injury in 2014.
Less than one year later, Willis decided to retire at the age of 30. The 49ers legend said, “I felt like it was the perfect time. My body, everything. The stars aligned for me.”
6) Billy Sims
The Detroit Lions have had some fantastic players over the years and Sims certainly fits in that category. Unfortunately for him, his career was cut short because of injury in 1984.
Prior to that devastating knee injury, Sims earned three Pro Bowl selections over his first four seasons in the National Football League. He was a unique talent for the era.
However, disaster struck in 1984 and he was unable to hit those heights after his recovery the following year. Sims officially announced his retirement from the sport in 1986.
5) Andrew Luck
You knew Luck was a special talent when the Indianapolis Colts made the tough choice to let Peyton Manning leave Lucas Oil Stadium.
Six years later, Luck is widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks never to win the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, poor draft strategy cost the Colts dearly during his six-year tenure.
Now Super Bowl dark horses, Indianapolis would arguably be one of the AFC favourites if Luck hadn’t decided to call an end on his playing career at 30 years old.
4) Luke Kuechly
Kuechly made the decision to retire at just 28 years old after just eight years in the NFL.
A seven-time Pro Bowler, five-time first-team All-Pro and the 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the Carolina Panthers star made a real impression during his time in the league.
In the end, concussion injuries played a major part in his decision, with Kuechly stating that “in my heart, I know it’s the right thing to do” in his retirement announcement.
3) Calvin Johnson
Known as ‘Megatron’ by NFL fans around the world, Johnson was the wide receiver of his generation, ending his career as a six-time Pro Bowler and twice leading the NFL in receiving yards.
Johnson voluntarily retired at the age of 30 in 2016, revealing that the wear and tear of NFL football had taken its toll on his body.
Playing for sports betting underdogs in Detroit, Johnson was able to help the franchise remain competitive throughout his tenure but it was the right time to call it a day.
2) Jim Brown
One of the best running backs in NFL history, Brown was a true Cleveland Browns icon and he averaged 100 rushing yards per game in seven of his nine seasons.
To this day, many neutrals state that Brown should be remembered as the best player at his position. Undoubtedly, his unique style helped him stand out amongst his peers.
At the time of his retirement, Brown was the NFL all-time leader in rushing yards (12,312) and rushing touchdowns (106). Unfortunately, his time in the NFL was cut short.
1) Barry Sanders
Sanders had shown next to no signs of regression when he announced his retirement back in 1998. In fact, the Lions legend was named in the Pro Bowl in all every NFL season.
Incredibly, he broke the 2,000 yard mark in 1997 and was rewarded with the NFL MVP award – a feat that separates him from some of the greatest NFL running backs.
Modern NFL players tend to make announcements on social media but Sanders famously faxed his retirement notice to a local newspaper, stating that a lack of desire was the main reason for his decision.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Doug Mills / AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 7th September 2020
