Fansided

5 all-time great NFL players that need to retire after 2015

By John Buhler

Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) walks off the field after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Chiefs won 29-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) walks off the field after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Chiefs won 29-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) throws the ball against the Houston Texans during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) throws the ball against the Houston Texans during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Matt Hasselbeck: Indianapolis Colts Quarterback

For a former sixth-round pick out of Boston College, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has had an outstanding NFL career. He’s played in three Pro Bowls, thrown for 36,539 career passing yards, thrown 212 career touchdown passes, and led the 2005 Seattle Seahawks to the franchise’s first-ever trip to the Super Bowl.

At 40 years old, Hasselbeck had to go from holding a clipboard on the Indianapolis Colts’ sideline when Andrew Luck was under center to having to lead the Colts in a push for the playoffs once Luck got hurt. Though Hasselbeck is 4-3 as a 40-year old starter for the Colts, a jaw injury may keep him out of Indianapolis’ next game versus the Dolphins.

The Colts are 6-8 and are a game back of the Houston Texans in the AFC South. Entering the season, Hasselbeck was likely going to play very little as Luck is an established Pro Bowl passer. However when Luck got hurt, Hasselbeck had to become the one that could get Indianapolis back to the AFC Championship while Luke nursed a lacerated kidney.

After playing sparingly since 2012, Hasselbeck is getting up there in age and isn’t equipped to handle the weekly beating of playing quarterback in the NFL anymore. Hasselbeck isn’t likely Canton-bound, but is certainly a Ring of Honor caliber player for the Seahawks. For about a five-year stretch (2003-07), Hasselbeck was one of the best passers in the NFC. Now he is getting thrown into the turf by pass rushers nearly half his age.

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