The Most Unexpected Retirements in NFL History

The majority of NFL retirements are expected and rarely come as a surprise. However, some players have called it quits unexpectedly. Here are the most shocking retirements in NFL history. DeBrickishaw Ferguson played 167 straight games during his 10-year career with the New York Jets before abruptly retiring in 2016 at 32 years old. That same year, Calvin Johnson, or Megatron, after receiving six Pro Bowl and three first-team All-Pro nods, retired at the age of 30 following a nine-year career. Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders received 10 Pro Bowl nods in 10 years before retiring at the age of 31 in 1999, despite being just over 1,000 yards away from the all-time rushing record. Three-time NFL MVP Jim Brown led the league in rushing yards in eight of his nine NFL seasons before retiring at the age of 29 to pursue other interests. Quarterback Andrew Luck, a four-time pro bowler, retired from the NFL at just 29 years old as multiple injuries had ruined his love for the game.