In practically every sport, there seems to be a stellar athlete who decides to step away while they’re at the top of their game. For some, it’s injuries; for others, it’s burnout. Many feel these ten sports legends retired too soon.
10. Jim Brown
Jim Brown is one of the best running backs to ever play in the NFL. He led the league in rushing eight out of his nine seasons and won MVP three times. At the time of his retirement at age 30, Brown held most major rushing records. After retiring, he had a successful acting career in film and television.
9. Bjorn Borg
Swedish tennis player Bjorn Borg dominated the sport between 1974 and 1981. He was ranked world No. 1 and became the first man in the Open Era to win 11 Grand Slam singles titles – six at the French Open and five consecutively at Wimbledon. He retired at 26, citing burnout, the pressure of the sport, and personal issues off-court.
8. Sandy Koufax
Sandy Koufax is considered one of baseball’s greatest pitchers ever. In his 12 years with the Dodgers, he earned three Cy Young awards, five ERA titles, and four World Series championships. In 1966, Koufax retired at 30 due to chronic arthritis in his pitching arm. After retirement, he worked as a broadcaster and as a special advisor to the Dodgers.
7. Michael Jordan (First Retirement)
Widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan retired at age 30 in 1993. He was at the height of his career, having led the Chicago Bulls to three consecutive NBA championships. He briefly pursued a baseball career with the Birmingham Barons. Jordan returned to the Bulls in 1995 and led them to another three NBA championships.
6. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is often considered the greatest point guard of all time. He spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers. After a 13-year pro career, he retired at age 32 due to an HIV diagnosis. He went on to massive success as a businessman and investor. He was also president of basketball operations for the Lakers from 2017-2019.
5. Bjorn Daehlie
Norwegian cross-country skier Bjorn Daehlie won 29 medals in the Olympics and World Championships between 1991-1999. He’s the most successful male cross-country skier in history. Daehlie won the Nordic World Cup six times. He retired at age 32. He moved on to a successful business and investment career, and he served as a commentator for skiing events.
4. Jim Courier
American tennis player Jim Courier shocked fans by announcing his retirement from the sport at age 29. During his career, he reached a world No. 1 ranking, won four Grand Slam singles titles, and won five Masters titles. After retirement, he worked as a tennis commentator and an analyst for the Tennis Channel and Prime Video Sport.
3. Barry Sanders
One of the most celebrated running backs in NFL history, Barry Sanders announced his retirement from the sport at age 31. He was still at the top of his game and had rushed for over 1,400 yards each of the previous four seasons. After retirement, Sanders transitioned to a broadcasting career and worked as an NFL commentator.
2. Justine Henin
Belgian tennis player Justine Henin retired from the sport at 25. At that time, she had won a total of 43 singles titles, including seven Grand Slam singles titles. She held the world No. 1 ranking on multiple occasions. Henin cited burnout and a desire to focus on her personal life.
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1. Andrew Luck
In 2019, while still considered one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, Andrew Luck retired from football at 29. A year prior, he’d signed a contract extension with the Colts. Luck cited his physical and mental health and the toll injuries from football had taken. He also wanted to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests.
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