Fansided

Top 10 NFL players that retired too soon

By FanSided Staff

October 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis (52) during player introductions before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi
October 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis (52) during player introductions before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi /
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1. Jim Brown

There were few players in the NFL who really revolutionized the game of football like Jim Brown did. The running back tore apart opposing defenses in the 1960s with spin moves, sharp cuts, and explosive feet. It’s a shame that his career ended earlier than it had to. At just 30 years old, Brown thought it best to call it quits and disappointed Browns fans everywhere. He did walk out on top as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. But many felt that he was still in his prime and had plenty more touchdowns to score..

The Hall of Fame running back is widely considered to be one of the best running backs to ever play the game. But because he didn’t play past 30 years old, the records he once held have long been broken by Emmitt Smith- a man who played until he was 35. The sad part is, while Emmitt slowed down considerably toward the end of his career, Brown still appeared to be in peak physical condition and was the most dominant player in football at the time.

Nonetheless, Brown chose to retire. It was widely believed that Brown chose to do so because he wanted to pursue a career in acting. Since retiring he has appeared in numerous films including The Dirty Dozen, The A-Team (TV Show), and Any Given Sunday. Many criticize Brown from walking away from the game of football to pursue other things. He is considered to be one of the best of all-time. And no one wants to see great players like Brown go.

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