It's always tough to see the players that played the game the best walk away from it all. We watch players come and go, like their our own children growing up. And its so damn difficult to watch them leave the game. We follow every single footstep they make. It's like The Truman Show.
Usually, we see a few prominent names retire each season, but this season we've seen a slew of players hang up their cleats already. I thought it was only right to recognize the players that we watched and rooted for (or against) every Sunday.
Calvin Johnson
According to multiple reports, Johnson told coach Jim Caldwell he plans to retire. Reportedly, Johnson told his two teammates Matthew Stafford and Stephen Tulloch that he planned to retire from his body being sore. However, the Lions released a statement saying they neither confirm nor deny Johnson's decision.
A month ago it seemed likely that Johnson was done, but recent news states that Johnson has not made up his mind fully. Does Johnson want to be traded? Is he doing this for the money? What's going on Calvin? If Johnson does live up to the reports, he's spent his entire nine-year career in Detroit, leading the league in receiving twice and seven 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
Post-retirement agenda: Johnson hasn't posted anything on social media or shown his existence since allegedly wanting to retire, maybe he's working on another commercial.
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch went out the most Marshawn Lynch way . Just a simple tweet with the peace sign emoji, so Marshawn. He'll be missed for countless reasons. Skittles, Beast Mode, post-game interviews, I can go on for days.
As much as he joked around, Lynch was one of the most dominant running backs of our day. The most iconic moment being the 67-yard touchdown run to stamp an upset Wild Card win over the Saints in 2011.
Post-retirement agenda: riding camels.
Peyton Manning
It seemed to be all over for Peyton, after the Super Bowl victory, riding into the sunset, but now Manning is weighing the option of returning. Just retire Peyton, end on a good note, please.
Manning has played 18 seasons, two-time Super Bowl champ, and the first quarterback ever to win the Super Bowl as the starting quarterback for two franchises. Please don't turn this into a Brett Favre saga and end a historic career as a messy one.
We'll remember him for: his brilliant ability to read opposing defenses and audible on the fly. OMAHA.
Post-retirement agenda: drink a lot of Budweiser and possibly be an ESPN analyst.
Charles Woodson
Woodson made it clear that he's done with football, after wrapping up an 18-year career and a future date with Canton.
He lands fifth all-time on the interceptions list with 65. Thirteen defensive touchdowns. Beat out Peyton Manning for the Heisman, Defensive Player of the Year, and Super Bowl winner. Woodson played cornerback almost his entire career until he was moved to safety at the tail end.
Post-retirement agenda: sit back and indulge on his Twenty Four wine.
Jared Allen
Jared Allen made it official on Twitter when he "rode off into the sunset".
After 12 seasons Allen was a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line. He recorded 136 total sacks, 22 being in 2011, the second-highest single-season tally in NFL history. He finished his career ninth on the all-time sack list. Allen should be in the Hall of Fame.
Post-retirement agenda: wrangle animals and ride horses.
Justin Tuck
After an 11-year tenure, Tuck decided to wrap up his career. Tuck posted the announcement on his Facebook page saying, "I have decided to retire from the game of football. I've had 11 great years and honestly I leave with very few regrets."
Tuck is a two-time Super Bowl champion and ended his career with 66.5 sacks.
Post-retirement agenda: working with his charity Tuck's R.U.S.H for Literacy.
Heath Miller
Many people breezed past this retirement, but I found it as a major loss for Pittsburgh.
Miller called it quits after 11 seasons, all with Pittsburgh. Miller was a lethal option for Big Ben, great run-blocker, and coaches adored his blue-collar attitude, fittingly in the city of Pittsburgh. Miller finished with two Super Bowls and is only one of 12 tight ends with more than 6,000 yards in league history.
We'll remember him for: Big Ben's reliable target and that "Heeeeeeath" chant from the fans.
Post-retirement agenda: ???
Jerod Mayo
At the age of 29, Mayo announced on Instagram his retirement. He played all of his eight seasons under Belichick's realm.
Mayo was the defensive rookie of the year in 2008 and won one Super Bowl. Although his stats aren't gaudy, he was a smart, skilled linebacker for the Patriots defense.
We'll remember him for: being the face of the Patriots' defense.
Post-retirement agenda: Many of his former teammates say he can be a coach with his mindset.
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