(This article was originally published on Aug. 2, 2022. Hall of Fame Cleveland Browns running back Jim Brown, who was judged by a panel of 50 experts, reporters and analysts as the greatest running back of all time, died on Friday at age 87.)
Quarterback Tom Brady was retired during the 2022 NFL offseason for just 40 days before opting to return for a 23rd season that could (maybe?) be his last, tight end Rob Gronkowski recently decided to hang them up, and defensive tackle Aaron Donald inked a massive contract extension this summer to make him the game's highest-paid non-QB after also considering retirement.