NFL early retirements

See also: Unplug the NFL

NFL early retirement is the growing list of successful players who decide to walk away from the NFL and often an immense amount of money. The harmful effects of the NFL is one of the reasons for some of these players.

This list includes: Recent Retirements:

• Zach Evans, running back for the New York Jets, retired at age 24 before the 2025 season. He was a sixth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams
• Nate Herbig, offensive guard for the Washington Commanders, retired at age 27 before the 2025 season. He had also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers
• Chris Borland, one of the top rookies in the NFL in 2014, abruptly retired before the 2015 season due to safety concerns. He stated, "I just honestly want to do what's best for my health. From what I've researched and what I've experienced, I don't think it's worth the risk."
• Luke Kuechly was a seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro as a linebacker for the Carolina Panthers linebacker. In 2013 he was even the 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. After a Pro Bowl season and at the age of only 28, he retired from the NFL.
• John Urschel played center and guard for the Super Bowl-winning Baltimore Ravens, who retired early from the NFL in order to pursue a career in mathematics. He has become an assistant professor at MIT.
• considered the greatest running back ever, Trump-endorsing Jim Brown retired early at the age of 30 to become a Hollywood actor, and then lived to a remarkably old age of 87.