5 NFL players who committed serious crimes after retirement feat. O.J. Simpson and Lawrence Taylor

#3 - Richard Alston

Cleveland Browns WR Richard Alston

Richard Alston spent a season with the Cleveland Browns as a wide receiver, but he's best known for his contributions to special teams, where he was an excellent kick and punt returner. In just nine NFL games as a returner, he recorded over 1,000 return yards while also scoring a return touchdown.

Alston was arrested for distributing large amounts of marijuana as part of an illegal drug operation. He was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for drug distribution and money laundering, earning nearly three million dollars from the illegal activities.

#4 - O.J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson Granted Parole At Hearing

O.J. Simpson was the first running back in NFL history to eclipse 2,000 rushing yards in a single season when he did so with the Buffalo Bills. What's even more impressive about his amazing accomplishment is that he did it in just 14 games as the seasons were much shorter during his era.

While Simpson is a legendary running back, he is also a notorious criminal. He was controversially found not guilty of murder in one of the most high-profile court cases in American history, but was later found guilty of armed robbery and kidnapping in a separate trial for a different case. He spent nine years in prison before receiving parole.

#5 - Philip Adams

San Francisco 49ers DB Philip Adams

Philip Adams played for six different teams during his six-season career as a defensive back in the NFL. He recorded five total interceptions while defending 15 passes during his time in the league.

Despite having no prior criminal history, Adams went on a shooting spree when he shot six people and killed five of them. He tragically killed himself after a stand-off with the police and was later diagnosed with an advanced case of CTE.