Are NFL players retiring earlier and earlier? | 10 players that retired before their prime

This week we have watched Sony Michel, and two other players walk away from the NFL before they even hit their prime. Nasir Adderley the Chargers defensive back retired from the game before the start of the season and players are hanging up their cleats a lot earlier than normal.

I wanted to dig into some players that retired in the NFL at a relatively young age for various reasons, but I feel were not even in their prime.

Here are some notable examples of players who retired early:

1. Andrew Luck (QB) – Luck was a star quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts but retired at the age of 29 before the start of the 2019 NFL season, citing physical and mental tolls from injuries.
2. Barry Sanders (RB) – Sanders is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He retired at the age of 31, surprising many fans and leaving the game while he was still at the peak of his career.
3. Patrick Willis (LB) – Willis was a dominant linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers but retired at the age of 30 due to concerns about the long-term impact of injuries on his body.
4. Calvin Johnson (WR) – Known as “Megatron,” Johnson was a superstar wide receiver for the Detroit Lions. He retired at the age of 30, citing concerns about his health and quality of life after football.
5. Rob Gronkowski (TE) – Gronkowski retired from the NFL at the age of 29 after a highly successful career with the New England Patriots. He returned to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a year later.
6. Jake Locker (QB) – Locker was a first-round draft pick by the Tennessee Titans but retired at the age of 26, citing a desire to pursue other interests and a desire to be healthy for his family.
7. Jim Brown (RB) – Brown is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. He retired at the age of 29 to focus on his acting career and various social causes.
8. Robert Smith (RB) – Smith was a talented running back for the Minnesota Vikings but retired at the age of 28, citing concerns about his long-term health and a desire to pursue other interests.
9. Luke Kuechly (LB) – Kuechly was a standout linebacker for the Carolina Panthers but retired at the age of 28, citing concerns about concussions and his long-term health.
10. Chris Borland (LB) – Borland was a promising linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers but retired at the age of 24 after just one season in the NFL due to concerns about head injuries.

These are just a few examples of players who retired from the NFL at a relatively young age. Retirement decisions in professional football are deeply personal and often involve complex considerations related to health, family, and future opportunities outside of the sport. It is still very interesting, because players are retiring relatively quickly. Do you feel it is their passion or the game taking such a toll on your body?