Top 10 unexpected retirements

Magic retiring was almost like the Rodney King beatings or the 94 quake here in LA. i tell ya the city stood still for a few hours. great article Dewey, brought back a ton of memories of being in HS here in LA

I would agree. I remember when Magic had to speak to the press and explained how he was sick. I think the world stood still in shock on that day. One of the most loved players in the NBA basketball ever.

Ricky Williams and Barry Sanders should both be higher. But I guess Ricky was sort of declining little by little.

Wow Barrys Sanders number 8?!?!? That may be the most absurd thing Ive ever heard. Seeing as to how he was the BEST running back of ALL TIME (your all welcome to your opinions, but if you disagree I'd LOVE to hear who you think was a better back please bark it up) and left the game ON TOP of his game...And PLEASE i dont wanna hear any Emmit Smith comments, lets not forgot Barry's O-Line and the rest of the team...Good find Dewey...

I agree if barry would have stayed as long as someone like Emmit Smith, he woulda destroyed payton's record. Really dont get y MJ is on the list unless we're talkin bout his first 1, but he came back so it really shouldn't count.

What about Jim Brown?

Damn, I wish every day that Jim Brown and Barry Sanders had played the rest of their feature back careers. I understand their situation and what a luxury it is to walk away from the game ... and maybe I'm just being selfish ... but seriously.

You know LaDanian is gonna do this too. In his recent interviews, he's been saying he "wants to walk out on top." I give him three years, four years max.

What could have been....

Barry Sanders should have definantly been higher.

rocky & sugar ray great memories

Barry Sanders retiring was the most puzzeling as well the man was an ICON in the NFL

Barry should deffinitly be higher... He played 10 seasons 10 probowls... Would of been the all time rusher... He was 30 years old... and would of broke Peytons mark with ease... He averaged 15026 yds and 9.9 tds per season... Retires at 30 and he ranks 8th????

I don't think the people that retired then came back a year later should really be on the list. It may have been shocking but it's not like they said "I'm out!" and never came back. Those are the more shocking moments to me.

I think Barry should be higher since he retired on the top of his game but I'm sure the terrible Lions management and knowing he wouldn't win anytime soon was a factor in the decision.