5 NFL players who retired at the peak of their careers

NFL stars who retired in the prime of their careers

#3 - Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson

While he has played just nine seasons in the NFL, Calvin Johnson has established himself as one of the most dominant wide receivers. He earned six consecutive Pro Bowl selections and was chosen for four All-Pro teams at the peak of his career while twice leading the league in receiving yards. He recorded 88 receptions for 1,214 yards and nine touchdowns in his final season with the Detroit Lions at just 30 years old before stepping away.

#2 - Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly

Luke Kuechly lasted just eight seasons but was one of the most consistently dominant middle linebackers the NFL has ever seen. He won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award during his first season and followed that up by winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in year two.

After his rookie season, Kuechly was selected to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro team for seven consecutive seasons while recording more than 100 tackles in every year of his career. He was the best linebacker and one of the best defensive players in football when injuries forced him to retire early at just 28 years old.

#1 - Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck was on a trajectory to potentially become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Still, unfortunate injuries only allowed him to play six seasons before stepping away permanently. He threw for more than 4,200 passing yards in four of his six seasons while accumulating an impressive 53-33 career record.

Luck helped the Indianapolis Colts reach the playoffs four times and looked to have legendary potential. He walked away from football at just 29 years old because of health concerns when he was just getting started with the actual prime of his career.