5 NFL players who retired at the peak of their careers
NFL players retire at different points in their careers based on various factors. Many decide to step away when their skillset declines, but sometimes a player may retire while still at the top of their game due to injuries or other reasons. Here are five NFL stars who called it quits while in the prime of their careers.
NFL stars who retired during the peak of their careers
#5 - Barry Sanders, Detroit Lions
Barry Sanders is one of the greatest running backs despite a relatively short career. He played just ten seasons, all with the Detroit Lions, where he averaged more than five yards per carry in his career. He surpassed 1,100 rushing yards in every season he played and also exceeded 1,500 rushing five times while leading the league in rushing four times.
Barry Sanders
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Barry Sanders was selected as an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in all ten seasons of his career while also winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, two Offensive Player of the Year awards, and one NFL MVP award. He retired at just 30 years old, just one year removed from his MVP season when he eclipsed 2,000 rushing yards.
#4 - Tiki Barber, New York Giants
Like Barry Sanders, Tiki Barber also retired after playing just ten seasons in the NFL, all of them with the New York Giants. Barber is considered a late bloomer, playing much better late in his career, which made his early retirement even more surprising.
Tiki Barber's final three seasons were his best three seasons. All three of his Pro Bowl selections and his only All-Pro selection occurred in the last three seasons of his career. He exceeded 2,000 all-purpose yards in each of those three years before suddenly retiring at the top of his game.