Fansided

5 all-time great NFL players who need to retire after the 2014 season

By Michael Collins

Sep 21, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Denver 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Denver 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 15, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Maurice Jones-Drew (21) carries the ball against the Detroit Lions at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Maurice Jones-Drew (21) carries the ball against the Detroit Lions at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Maurice Jones-Drew, RB – Oakland Raiders

Age: 29
Years in NFL: 9
Career highlight number: 1,606 rushing yards with Jacksonville in 2012
Hall of Fame credentials: No

The Ewok has been a lot of fun to watch over the years, and provided for some amazing highlights during his eight seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

But NFL running backs take a lot of punishment and have a relatively short shelf-life in the modern day game. Jones-Drew has gone to Oakland, where many one-time great players go out to pasture before actually going out to pasture.

In two games with the Raiders, MJD has managed 11 carries for 12 yards, with four receptions totaling 14 yards. No touchdowns. One fumble.

That is not the Maurice Jones-Drew we came to know and love.

It’s doubtful with the punishment his body has endured that Jones-Drew will be able to really make much of a comeback. It would be better to remember him as the tough little bugger who could power his way into the end zone against the most fearsome defensive lines in the league. Not a Weeble in black and silver.

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