Athlete retirement
FILE - Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Vance McDonald (89) plays against the Cleveland Browns during an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, in this Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, file photo. Steelers tight end Vance McDonald is retiring. The 30-year-old announced the decision Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
Steelers tight end Vance McDonald retiring after 8 seasons

By Will Graves Jan. 22, 2021 09:50 AM EST

FILE - Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) walks back to the huddle after a time out in the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans in Indianapolis, in this Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, file photo. On Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, the 39-year-old Indianapolis Colts quarterback announced his retirement. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, FIle)
Colts QB Rivers, 39, retires from NFL after 17 seasons

By Michael Marot Jan. 20, 2021 10:02 AM EST

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (17) makes the catch as Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) defends during the second half of an NFL divisional round playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
Signs point to Saints entering new era in 2021

By Brett Martel Jan. 18, 2021 08:12 PM EST

FILE - Indianapolis Colts tackle Anthony Castonzo celebrates after making a catch for a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, in this Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, file photo. Catsonzo, the Colts longtime left tackle, announced his retirement Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. The 32-year-old had been an anchor on Indy's offensive line since he was the No. 22 overall draft pick in 2011. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)
Castonzo announces retirement after injury-filled season

By Michael Marot Jan. 12, 2021 01:17 PM EST

Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts, from left, Carson Wentz and Nate Sudfeld talk during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
Eagles face difficult decision regarding Carson Wentz

By Rob Maaddi Jan. 04, 2021 05:46 PM EST

FILE - In this July 30, 2017, file photo, Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart takes part in drills at NFL football training camp in Englewood, Colo. The former safety announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday, Dec. 10 2020, saying he's turned his focus to his foundation in Charlotte, North Carolina, and wants to give back to his alma mater, the University of South Carolina. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
"No Fly Zone" safety Darian Stewart announces retirement

By Arnie Stapleton Dec. 10, 2020 09:37 PM EST

FILE - In this Oct. 14, 2018, file photo, Denver Broncos strong safety Darian Stewart (26) intercepts a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams running back John Kelly during the second half of an NFL football game in Denver. The former safety announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, saying he's turned his focus to his foundation in Charlotte, North Carolina, and wants to give back to his alma mater, the University of South Carolina. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney, File)
Los Angeles Rams at Denver Broncos 10/14/2018

Dec. 10, 2020 09:30 PM EST

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