The NFL football season is coming to a close, and with it comes the undying speculation about which players will retire after the season. After last weekend’s surprise playoff losses, rumors are swirling more than ever about the future of some high-profile players. Read on for seven longstanding NFL players who could be looking to hang up their helmets in 2022.
7 NFL Players Who May Retire After This Season:
Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger is one of the most popular names in Pennsylvania, thanks to his longstanding time as quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s also considered one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. With his contract ending in 2022, many are speculating he could retire. Roethlisberger has been with the Steelers since 2004, so it’s a lengthy legacy. When he leaves, the Steelers will never be the same.
Tom Brady, Buccaneers
Will this finally be the year that Tom Brady says farewell to the NFL? The legendary quarterback just wrapped up his seventh Super Bowl championship and is physically as strong as ever, so it seems unlikely. That said, he just lost to the L.A. Rams, so won’t be at this year’s Super Bowl. It’s possible the early end for the Buccaneers’ season could convince him to step down.
Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Aaron Rodgers is a key part of the Packers franchise, and he continues to deliver at a top performance level. At 38 years old, it’s always a question whether Rodgers will retire when seasons wrap up, and this year, there’s more speculation than ever. Of course, following last weekend’s surprise loss and Green Bay being out of Super Bowl contention, there’s lots of speculation that this will be the year he calls it quits for good.
Duane Brown, Seahawks
Seahawks offensive tackle Duane Brown and quarterback Russell Wilson work so well together, and Brown is showing no signs of slowing down. Brown is, however, 36, which is a popular age for NFL players to throw in the towel, so it’s a possibility.
Andrew Whitworth, Rams
The Los Angeles Rams are a solid team with a strong roster of players and right tackle Andrew Whitworth is among the team’s most reliable. At 39 years old, he’s also one of the oldest active players in the NFL. If the Rams take home the Super Bowl trophy this year, it’s possible he’ll see that as a way to leave on top. Whitworth is under contract with the Rams until 2023, so he also might stay.
Richie Incognito, Raiders
Richie Incognito is back this year after an injury and playing in excellent condition. He’s 38, though, so despite being in tip-top shape could be thinking of leaving the Raiders for the next move in his non-NFL player career.
Joe Flacco, Eagles
Who can forget Feb. 4, 2018, the date when the Philadelphia Eagles won their first-ever NFL Super Bowl Championship? Joe Flacco was a major part of that winning team, and he has an 11-year legacy with the Eagles that’s simply special. At age 36, he might be looking to retire and move to the next chapter in his life.
