5 retirements in NFL Super Bowl era that shocked the world ft. Sean Payton

Surprising early retirements from the NFL

Here are five NFL players who shockingly retired early.

#3 - Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson is widely considered one of the most talented wide receivers of all time. His speed, size and ball skills were a uniquely dominant combination that gave opposing defense problems. He retired after just nine years at 30 years old.

Calvin Johnson is still a Hall of Famer despite the short career. He averaged 86.1 receiving yards per game in his career, the third highest number in NFL history. He also holds a single-season record with 1,964 receiving yards.

#4 - Barry Sanders, Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders

Barry Sanders is widely regarded as one of the best running backs ever. He averaged 99.8 rushing yards per game in his career, the second most of all time. He retired at the age of 30 after playing just 10 seasons in the NFL. He eclipsed 1,100 rushing yards in all ten seasons that he played, surpassed 1,500 rushing yards in five seasons and once ran for over 2,000 yards.

Barry Sanders is a Hall of Famer and former NFL MVP. He accumulated 15,269 rushing yards in his short career, the fourth most in NFL history. He had a chance to be the all-time rushing leader if he kept playing, but decided to walk away early.

#5 - Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers line backer Luke Kuechly

Luke Kuechly was one of the best linebackers in the NFL during his career. He played for just eight seasons and was selected to seven Pro Bowls and five first-team All Pros. He was just 28 years old when he retired and was on his way to legendary status if he had been able to keep playing.

Unfortunately he suffered too many concussions and head injuries throughout his career. He opted to step away for safety reasons and to focus on his long term health. It wasn't worth the serious risk of continuing to play, despite the amazing start to his time in the league.