NFL Football Players Retire
Every career has an end and this year football fans are saying goodbye to some of the most beloved players in the NFL.
After 18 years, Peyton Manning announced his decision to retire. During his time with the NFL he racked up two Super Bowl victories and has played for the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. The 39-year-old quarterback thinks now is the right time. Manning will retire with multiple NFL records and awards, including the title of all-time leader in passing touchdowns and yards, five time NFL MVP, and most career wins.
Charles Woodson, a cornerback and safety, is also retiring at 39 years old after 18 seasons. Woodson played for the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers, before returning to the Raiders. Woodson will retire with nine Pro Bowl Selections and one Super Bowl win. He plans to become a football commentator for ESPN.
After 17 seasons, 40-year-old quarterback Matt Hasselback is leaving the sport. He has played with the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, and Indianapolis Colts. Hasselback set many records in the Seahawks franchise, including most career passing yards and completions, as well as three Pro Bowl selections. Hasselback will replace Mike Ditka on the Sunday NFL Countdown.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' guard Logan Mankins is retiring after 11 seasons in the NFL. Mankins also played with the New England Patriots. The 34-year-old had a successful career with seven Pro Bowl invites and six All Pro selections.
Heath Miller also announced his retirement after 11 seasons. Miller is a tight end and has been a Pittsburgh Steeler his entire career; he holds the team record for most catches, touchdowns, and receiving yards by a tight end. He has also won two Super Bowls.
After careful consideration, defensive end Justin Tuck is retiring at 32. He has played for the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders. He earned two Super Bowl wins and Pro Bowl selections. He is also the only player in NFL history to have multiple sacks in more than one Super Bowl.
Marshawn Lynch is retiring at the end of the 2015-16 season as well. Lynch has been with the NFL for nine years. He has decided to retire to maintain his health after experiencing various injuries throughout his career. During his career, he played with the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks. He will retire with five Pro Bowl selections. Despite the fact he has announced his retirement, he is still on the Seahawks' 2016-17 roster.
Calvin Johnson is also retiring early. The Detroit Lions' wide receiver, nicknamed "Megatron," has made the decision to retire due to several injuries he has sustained in the past few seasons. Johnson has played with the Lions his entire career and has achieved many team records including most receiving touchdowns in a single season and a career. He also holds the NFL record for most receiving yards and is second for the record of most receiving yards in a single regulation game.
Other players, such as Jon Beason, Jerod Mayo, Jared Allen, and Rashean Mathis, are retiring as well. Fans are sad to see these players go, but a new favorite may show up in the next couple years.