The NFL is a brutal sport and the physical toll on players can be devastating. While many athletes enjoy long and illustrious careers, others have had their journeys cut short due to injuries. Here are 11 NFL players who were forced to step away from the game prematurely due to physical setbacks.
Bo Jackson
Arguably one of the greatest athletes of all time, Bo Jackson’s NFL career ended after a devastating hip injury during a 1991 playoff game.
Terrell Davis
The Denver Broncos’ star running back achieved incredible success, including two Super Bowl titles and an MVP award. Unfortunately, knee injuries forced him to retire after just seven seasons.
Andrew Luck
The Indianapolis Colts quarterback shocked the football world when he retired at 29, citing mental and physical fatigue from a string of injuries.
Javon Walker
A talented wide receiver for the Packers and Broncos, Javon Walker’s career spiraled after suffering multiple knee injuries.
Robert Griffin III
RGIII burst onto the scene in 2012 and won Rookie of the Year honors. However, a series of knee injuries derailed his promising career.
Gale Sayers
Known as the “Kansas Comet,” Gale Sayers dazzled fans with his incredible speed and agility. However, repeated knee injuries limited the Chicago Bears star to just seven NFL seasons.
Greg Cook
A promising quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, Greg Cook’s rookie season in 1969 was his only real campaign due to a severe shoulder injury. Many consider him one of NFL history’s greatest “what if” stories.
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Patrick Willis
The San Francisco 49ers linebacker was one of the most dominant defensive players of his era. Sadly, chronic toe injuries led to his surprising retirement at just 30 years old.
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Tony Boselli
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-ever draft pick, Tony Boselli, was an elite offensive tackle. Shoulder injuries cut his career short after just seven seasons, but his impact earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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Daunte Culpepper
Known for his rocket arm and mobility, Daunte Culpepper’s knee injury in 2005 ended his time as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
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Sterling Sharpe
Sterling Sharpe was on track to be one of the greatest wide receivers in history before a neck injury ended his career after seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
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