Athlete retirement
FILE - In this Jan. 13, 1969, file photo, New York Jets' Bill Mathis, far right, takes a handoff from quarterback Joe Namath during Super Bowl III in Miami. Bill Mathis, a versatile running back and an original member of the New York Jets franchise, has died. He was 81. The team announced Mathis' death Tuesday on Wednesday night, Oct. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Harold Valentine, File)
Bill Mathis, original member of Jets franchise, dies at 81

By Dennis Waszak Jr. Oct. 22, 2020 12:37 PM EDT

FILE - In this Aug. 25, 2019, file photo, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Tyrod Taylor throws the ball downfield against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL preseason football game in Carson. Philip Rivers started 224 consecutive regular games for the Chargers before leaving to sign with Indianapolis as a free agent. The Chargers now will turn to veteran Tyrod Taylor or first-round rookie Justin Herbert to take over for the reliable Rivers. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo, File)
NFL teams seek to replace stars like Brady, Hopkins, Yanda

By Josh Dubow Jul. 22, 2020 12:58 PM EDT

FILE - This Nov. 17, 2019, file photo shows Dallas Cowboys defensive end Michael Bennett (79) during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, in Detroit. Bennett, who won a Super Bowl as a defensive end with the Seattle Seahawks and made three Pro Bowls, says he is retiring. He said Tuesday, July 21, 2020, on Instagram that the 2019 season, which he split between New England and Dallas, was his last. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File)
Defensive end Michael Bennett retires after 11 pro seasons

By The Associated Press Jul. 21, 2020 11:59 AM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2019, file photo, Buffalo Bills running back Frank Gore runs against the Miami Dolphins in the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y. Gore just turned 37, absolutely ancient by NFL running back standards. Entering his first season with the Jets, Gore is feeling fresh and ready to help carry the load with Le'Veon Bell in New York's backfield. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)
Age-defying Gore still running, excited to help Jets win

By Dennis Waszak Jr. May. 21, 2020 06:16 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 21, 2018, file photo, Washington Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) takes the field for warms up before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Landover, Md. The San Francisco 49ers have acquired the seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle from the Redskins. Two people familiar with the deal said Saturday, April 25, 2020, the Niners will send a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft and a 2021 third-rounder to acquire Williams. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
Rams chasing 49ers, Seahawks, Cards in power-packed NFC West

By Josh Dubow Apr. 28, 2020 03:19 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 8, 2019, file photo, New England Patriots fullback James Develin look for a defender to block in the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Foxborough, Mass. Develin said in an Instagram message Monday, April 27, 2020, that he is retiring from the NFL because of complications from the neck injury that caused him to miss the final 14 games of the 2019 season. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
Pats FB Develin retiring because of neck injury

By Kyle Hightower Apr. 27, 2020 03:26 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 21, 2018, file photo, Washington Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) takes the field for warms up before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Landover, Md. The San Francisco 49ers have acquired the seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle from the Redskins. Two people familiar with the deal said Saturday, April 25, 2020, the Niners will send a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft and a 2021 third-rounder to acquire Williams. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
Patience pays off for 49ers in draft with deal for Williams

By Josh Dubow Apr. 25, 2020 09:14 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 16, 2018, file photo, Washington Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) sets up to block in front of Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) during the second half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla. The San Francisco 49ers have acquired the seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle from the Redskins. Two people familiar with the deal said Saturday, April 25, 2020, the Niners will send a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft and a 2021 third-rounder to acquire Williams. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
49ers acquire Pro Bowl LT Trent Williams from Redskins

By Josh Dubow Apr. 25, 2020 01:16 PM EDT

Former World Series MVP Pearce retires, injured most of 2019

Apr. 14, 2020 05:20 PM EDT
BOSTON (AP) — Steve Pearce, the career journeyman who broke loose to become the unlikely MVP of the 2018 World Series, says he’s done playing after an injury...

FILE - In this March 12, 2020, file photo, goals used by the NHL hockey club Nashville Predators are stored in a hallway in Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The Ottawa Senators announced late Tuesday night, March 17, 2020, one of their players has tested positive for COVID-19, has mild symptoms and is in isolation. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
The Latest: Hurricanes ask employees to take time off

By The Associated Press Mar. 25, 2020 11:46 AM EDT

In this Dec. 15, 2019, photo, Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick (72) plays in the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Arlington, Texas. Frederick is retiring from the NFL at 29. The surprising decision comes less than two years after Frederick was diagnosed with a neurological disorder that sidelined him for all of 2018. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Cowboys' Frederick retires, cites play after nerve disorder

By Schuyler Dixon Mar. 23, 2020 07:11 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 21, 2018, file photo, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, left, embraces quarterback Tom Brady after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC championship NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass. Brady, the centerpiece of the New England Patriots’ championship dynasty over the past two decades, appears poised to leave the only football home he has ever had. The 42-year-old six-time Super Bowl winner posted Tuesday, March 17, 2020, on social media “my football journey will take place elsewhere.” The comments were the first to indicate the most-decorated player in NFL history would leave New England. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson, File)
Column: Glorious era comes to a close for Brady and Patriots

By Tim Dahlberg Mar. 17, 2020 04:49 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 19, 2020, file photo, Tennessee Titans' quarterback Marcus Mariota warms up before the NFL AFC Championship football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo. The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed on a contract with free agent Mariota to provide an experienced backup behind starter Derek Carr. A person familiar with the deal said Monday, March 16, 2020, the Raiders reached the deal with the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
The Latest: 49ers safety Jimmie Ward gets 3-yr deal to stay

By The Associated Press Mar. 16, 2020 12:01 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 8, 2019, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree (48) runs a play against the Arizona Cardinals prior to an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz. The Pittsburgh Steelers are holding onto outside linebacker Bud Dupree. The team placed the franchise tag on Dupree Monday, March 16, 2020, just hours before the NFL-mandated deadline for teams to use the designation.(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
Steelers place franchise tag on OLB Dupree as Foster retires

Mar. 16, 2020 10:29 AM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 7, 2018, file photo, Baltimore Ravens offensive guard Marshal Yanda (73) plays against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland. Yanda retired from the NFL on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, with the satisfaction of knowing that he walked away before being kicked out the door. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)
Ravens guard Yanda retires after 13 years on his own terms

By David Ginsburg Mar. 11, 2020 02:18 PM EDT

FILE - This is a Dec. 22, 2019, file photo showing Baltimore Ravens offensive guard Marshal Yanda answering questions at a news conference after the Ravens defeated the Cleveland Browns in an NFL football game in Cleveland. Yanda is retiring after 13 seasons in which he was named to the Pro Bowl eight times and helped Baltimore win the 2012 Super Bowl.(AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)
Ravens' Marshal Yanda to retire after 13 years, 8 Pro Bowls

By David Ginsburg Mar. 10, 2020 09:49 AM EDT

New York Giants TE Rhett Ellison announces his retirement

Mar. 09, 2020 12:54 PM EDT
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison has retired after eight seasons in the NFL. Ellison played at...

FILE - In this Monday, Sept. 23, 2019 file photo, Washington Redskins tight end Vernon Davis gestures toward a line judge during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Landover, Md. Vernon Davis has decided to retire after 14 NFL seasons, Monday, Feb. 3, 2020. The 36-year-old says he wanted to walk away from football while his body was still healthy enough for him to pursue business and television opportunities. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
Tight end Vernon Davis retires after 14 NFL seasons

Feb. 03, 2020 06:45 PM EST

New York Giants NFL football quarterback Eli Manning is followed by cameras after announcing his retirement on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Giants' Eli Manning retires after 16 seasons, 2 Super Bowls

By Tom Canavan Jan. 24, 2020 01:26 PM EST

In this Feb. 7, 2012 file photo New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the team's NFL football Super Bowl parade in New York. Manning, who led the Giants to two Super Bowls in a 16-year career that saw him set almost every team passing record, has retired. The Giants said Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020 that Manning would formally announce his retirement on Friday. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, file)
Giants' Eli Manning retires after 16 seasons, 2 Super Bowls

By Tom Canavan Jan. 22, 2020 06:38 PM EST