Top 10 NFL players that retired too soon

2. Gale Sayers

Gale Sayers is one of the most influential players to modern running backs in the history of the NFL. Few had moves like Sayers at the time. And during his seven year career as a professional football player, Sayers was a complete stud. As a rookie he scored 22 touchdowns for the Chicago Bears.

Sayers could do it all. Whether it was running between the tackles, catching screen passes, or returning kicks, the man was as dynamic of an offensive player as you’ll ever see.

It’s too bad that an athlete as great as Sayers had to cut his career short because of injuries. In the 1960s, the world just didn’t have the same medical technology as we do today. So knee injuries usually mean it’s time to call it quits.

Unfortunately, that was the case for Sayers. But still, he goes down in the history books as one of the best ever to play the game of football. His 22 touchdowns are the most ever from a rookie. He also holds the record for most touchdowns in a single game with six. Sayers got inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977 where his records and accolades as a player will never be forgotten. Even if his career was just getting started.

Next: 1. Jim Brown