10 NFL players who could retire following the 2020 season
By Samuel Teets
2. Greg Olsen, TE, Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks signed Greg Olsen to a one-year, $7 million in February. The former Pro Bowler spent the last nine seasons with the Carolina Panthers, but the team released him as part of an extensive rebuilding process. In Seattle, Olsen pairs with the best quarterback of his career, Russell Wilson. However, the 31st overall pick from 2007 probably won’t stick around once his current contract expires.
A vast world awaits Olsen once he decides to leave football. During Carolina’s bye week last season, Olsen joined a Fox broadcast team to call a game between the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants. After the game, Olsen received praise from his partner in the booth, Kenny Albert.
Olsen climbed back into the booth during the XFL’s short-lived comeback and gained even more experience. The 35-year-old also recently recorded a podcast series with Blue Wire called “TE1” where he interviews some of the best tight ends from different eras.
No matter how much he loves football, Olsen seems prepared to walk away from the game and begin a new career. The former Pro Bowler recently signed a deal with Fox Sports to become the network’s No. 2 NFL game analyst when he retires, according to the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand.
1. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Earlier this year, Larry Fitzgerald signed a one-year, $11.5 million deal with the Cardinals. That’s the fourth one-year extension Fitzgerald has signed since the start of 2016, and it’s likely his final NFL contract. Nearing his 37th birthday, Fitzgerald has given Father Time a run for his money, but the future Hall of Famer feels it’s about time to go.
The Cardinals drafted Fitzgerald with the third overall pick in 2004 and watched him grow into the greatest player in franchise history. Besides epitomizing class, Fitzgerald is everything a team could want in a player. He’s adapted to various offenses over the years, improved his blocking ability, and became the franchise’s ambassador.
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Fitzgerald ranks second all-time in receptions (1,378) and receiving yards (17,083), trailing only Jerry Rice. Fitzgerald’s 120 receiving touchdowns rank sixth all-time, and he can still add to that total in 2020. Even at his age, Fitzgerald led the Cardinals in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns last season. He’s simply amazing.