Hall of Fame RB Barry Sanders knows a thing or two about hanging up the cleats with plenty of gas left in the tank.
Sanders retired at age 31 in 1999, after 10 straight Pro Bowl seasons, a mere 1,457 from the rushing leader at the time; Walter Payton.
That’s why his opinion on the seemingly new trend of young NFL players retiring in the midst of; or in some cases even before they reach their prime, is of such value.
Sanders was featured on The Post Game podcast and had some thoughts on that (5:29), and a few other Detroit Lions related subjects, including if Calvin Johnson’s retirement has opened up the Lions offense for Matt Stafford.
Its really good stuff:
https://soundcloud.com/thepostgame/barry-sanders-more-players-are-retiring-on-their-own-terms