Every pro athlete has to call it quits eventually. These 25 NFL players could be entering their final season in 2022.
1 of 25
Anthony Barr, LB, Cowboys
![Anthony Barr, LB, Cowboys](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/1/0/104bf73682591efed055b8dfbc919436db9b3c35/anthony-barr-lb-cowboys.jpg)
Harrison Barden / USA Today Sports Images
Barr is set to be a role player in Dallas after back-to-back injury-plagued seasons in Minnesota. Now age 30, his Pro Bowl days are long behind him, and he could retire if injuries strike again this season.
2 of 25
Tom Brady, QB, Buccaneers
![Tom Brady, QB, Buccaneers](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/d/d/dd98306d304ab217456d2478186c7d40803cab42/tom-brady-qb-buccaneers.jpg)
Nathan Ray Seebeck / USA Today Sports Images
Brady already has his post-career job lined up with a pending broadcasting deal, and he’s sat out most of camp for personal reasons after retiring this offseason temporarily. The writing is on the wall for Brady to retire after 2022.
3 of 25
Calais Campbell, DE, Ravens
![Calais Campbell, DE, Ravens](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1357,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/8/7/87fd503af13083cde7a11c096d16310dbabde541/calais-campbell-de-ravens.jpg)
Evan Habeeb / USA Today Sports Images
Campbell’s streak of four consecutive Pro Bowls ended last season, as he recorded only 1.5 sacks in 15 games. He’s still a strong contributor for the Ravens, but is in severe decline entering his age 36 season.
4 of 25
Mason Crosby, K, Packers
![Mason Crosby, K, Packers](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1451,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/f/d/fd39bdcc0bc19ad824df785792b185246ec5e55c/mason-crosby-k-packers.jpg)
Benny Sieu / USA Today Sports Images
Crosby has shown some inconsistency recently and is coming off arguably his worst season, making fewer than 75% of his field goals in 2021. Another season like last year might force the 38-year-old into retirement.
5 of 25
Fletcher Cox, DT, Eagles
![Fletcher Cox, DT, Eagles](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/a/6/a66b0ab2936ea2fe4a978dd91dfc99a8491702e1/fletcher-cox-dt-eagles.jpg)
Kevin Jairaj / USA Today Sports Images
Formerly the leader of the Eagles defense, Cox’s streak of six straight Pro Bowls ended in 2021. He had only 3.5 sacks, and the team has added his eventual replacement with first-round pick Jordan Davis. Turning 32 in December, Cox’s clock is ticking.
6 of 25
Robbie Gould, K, 49ers
![Robbie Gould, K, 49ers](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1500,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/b/3/b360cdcfbc44c43ca17ad2e62617f3fd57883ebd/robbie-gould-k-49ers.jpg)
Kelley L. Cox / USA Today Sports Images
Gould continues to play at an extremely high level, making 87% of his field goals last season. Despite his long and productive career, Gould won’t be able to perform at this level forever and is entering his age 40 season. Any deterioration this year could cause him to consider moving on.
7 of 25
Cameron Heyward, DT, Steelers
![Cameron Heyward, DT, Steelers](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/b/a/baa0259cb3d94def52928df3a9f8a1a22ce6beb3/cameron-heyward-dt-steelers.jpg)
Joseph Maiorana / USA Today Sports Images
Heyward is sometimes overlooked now on a talented Steelers defense that has so many stars. He made his fifth straight Pro Bowl last year, and was also an All-Pro for the third time. Still, his power rushing game typically doesn’t lend to continuing a career well into a player’s 30s, and Heyward is now entering his age 33 season.
8 of 25
Akiem Hicks, DE, Buccaneers
![Akiem Hicks, DE, Buccaneers](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1410,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/d/b/dbdb6742a193843c1713d0af19582842081ccff9/akiem-hicks-de-buccaneers.jpg)
Steve Roberts / USA Today Sports Images
Hicks has missed significant time to injuries in two of the last three seasons as he joins the Bucs. He’s hoping for a Super Bowl ring with his new team, with sack production that has been well down recently. Hicks turns 33 in November in what could be his final go.
9 of 25
Justin Houston, OLB, Ravens
![Justin Houston, OLB, Ravens](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1345,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/3/9/39a6b7b79043fc4bf5e81083edc9616cc012ccc1/justin-houston-olb-ravens.jpg)
Philip G. Pavely / USA Today Sports Images
Houston is back on his second short-term deal with the Ravens, clearly favoring winning over a more prominent role. He had only 4.5 sacks in 15 games with the Baltimore last season, and could see his playing time cut further this year at age 33.
10 of 25
Brian Hoyer, QB, Patriots
![Brian Hoyer, QB, Patriots](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1312,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/0/d/0d01cc7c13bec89e1748571e5fb91f655dfa9856/brian-hoyer-qb-patriots.jpg)
David Butler II / USA Today Sports Images
Hoyer had a significant stint in his mid-career as a starter with the Browns, Texans, Bears, and 49ers, but his role as a backup has been evident over the last several seasons. He continues to back up Mac Jones in New England, but there might not be much football left as he approaches age 40.
11 of 25
Mark Ingram, RB, Saints
![Mark Ingram, RB, Saints](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1407,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/5/f/5fd1888a471260e8f4b5f4e064e873e0642d21bb/mark-ingram-rb-saints.jpg)
Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today Sports Images
Ingram is a popular player in New Orleans, and in a good role behind Alvin Kamara after many years as the team’s starter. He’s already outlived the typical running back career now entering his 12th NFL season, and last year’s 3.5 yards per carry indicates he’s lost a step.
12 of 25
Melvin Ingram, OLB, Dolphins
![Melvin Ingram, OLB, Dolphins](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/7/5/7519d9dcc8eeb6180ed7f07b0243d4713f575f10/melvin-ingram-olb-dolphins.jpg)
Jasen Vinlove / USA Today Sports Images
Ingram’s post-Chargers career has included the Steelers, Chiefs, and now Dolphins. It’s clear he wants to help winning teams, but the 33-year-old might not have the ability to be a three-down player any longer.
13 of 25
Kareem Jackson, S, Broncos
![Kareem Jackson, S, Broncos](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/f/d/fde2e1421b16127bd82a84a1e9fae607a33f8802/kareem-jackson-s-broncos.jpg)
Isaiah J. Downing / USA Today Sports Images
Jackson is entering his fourth year in the Denver defense, and has continued to take on a leadership role. Entering his age 34 season, Jackson is also one of the oldest defensive players in the league on a team that has gotten younger on that side of the ball recently.
14 of 25
Julio Jones, WR, Buccaneers
![Julio Jones, WR, Buccaneers](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1431,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/b/1/b10adeff0a4d2dae298339802d0fed88704d15de/julio-jones-wr-buccaneers.jpg)
Kim Klement / USA Today Sports Images
Jones has been plagued by injuries over the last two seasons, and didn’t seem to have much of a market before signing in Tampa Bay. He’s down on the depth chart now in a clear quest to win a Super Bowl at age 33 before he hangs up his cleats.
15 of 25
Jason Kelce, OC, Eagles
![Jason Kelce, OC, Eagles](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1408,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/6/2/624117076bea4346f91a75cb0bfef881dbd5cf75/jason-kelce-oc-eagles.jpg)
Bill Streicher / USA Today Sports Images
There was speculation Kelce would retire after last season, but he’s playing as well as ever as an All-Pro for the fourth time last season. Turning 35 in November, he’s hoping to win his second Super Bowl in Philly before retirement.
16 of 25
Andy Lee, P, Cardinals
![Andy Lee, P, Cardinals](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1558,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/3/7/3732601602fc5feb169d5cde7a5b50894e98520c/andy-lee-p-cardinals.jpg)
Michael Chow / USA Today Sports Images
Lee has been in the NFL since 2004, and now enters his age 40 season. He still has a big leg, but the whispers of retirement get louder given his age.
17 of 25
Marcedes Lewis, TE, Packers
![Marcedes Lewis, TE, Packers](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1386,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/2/c/2cf259726a760d56e6e86b40a3e32c723d8a783f/marcedes-lewis-te-packers.jpg)
Samantha Madar / USA Today Sports Images
Lewis is mainly a blocker these days as Green Bay’s second tight end. He’s fared well in that role since joining the Packers in 2018, but he’s now one of the oldest players in the league at age 38.
18 of 25
Devin McCourty, S, Patriots
![Devin McCourty, S, Patriots](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/2/f/2f192074d4b86e2f2d069408c899e82f3785a6df/devin-mccourty-s-patriots.jpg)
Brett Davis / USA Today Sports Images
McCourty’s twin brother, Jason, retired during the offseason, and Devin surely isn’t far behind. He’s been a staple in the Pats secondary since 2010, though the production has slipped over the last three years.
19 of 25
Von Miller, OLB, Bills
![Von Miller, OLB, Bills](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1753,w_1880,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/8/7/87b4d8f9131bf20df5a76be6fb1eb988c310d199/von-miller-olb-bills.jpg)
Shawn Dowd / USA Today Sports Images
Miller still draws a big payday, but he clearly has bigger goals at this point in his career. He won a Super Bowl with the Rams last season, and joined a Bills squad with an excellent shot to provide Miller with his third ring. The future Hall of Famer could ride off into the sunset after his age 33 season.
20 of 25
Matt Prater, K, Cardinals
![Matt Prater, K, Cardinals](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1429,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/0/4/0436b21552c2c5cdbda94ae362071531ed8b4bf6/matt-prater-k-cardinals.jpg)
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images
Prater has been known for his big leg for most of his career, but we have to expect his range to decrease as he gets closer to age 40. Accuracy has become an issue for Prater over the last three years, which is concerning entering his age 38 season.
21 of 25
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
![Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1455,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/2/e/2e9e289c8361365c2de29828acea72637dbb766c/aaron-rodgers-qb-packers.jpg)
Dan Powers / USA Today Sports Images
Rodgers is a back-to-back MVP winner, but his struggles in the playoffs have clouded his career in comparison to Tom Brady. He will likely be able to play as long as he’d like, but Rodgers knows the end is coming sooner than later.
22 of 25
Kyle Rudolph, TE, Buccaneers
![Kyle Rudolph, TE, Buccaneers](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1788,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/4/4/442c5fd17eda497bfd0cfa8611a794cf7494df04/kyle-rudolph-te-buccaneers.jpg)
Kim Klement / USA Today Sports Images
Rudolph hasn’t produced much over the last two seasons, so it’s not surprising that he’d join a highly competitive Bucs squad in what looks like the twilight years of his career. At age 33, he has a chance to win his first Super Bowl as the Bucs second tight end.
23 of 25
Tyron Smith, LT, Cowboys
![Tyron Smith, LT, Cowboys](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1304,w_1955,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/9/c/9c0ea6d2dd21a9955d93a7fe66c9e45296f60baa/tyron-smith-lt-cowboys.jpg)
Tim Heitman / USA Today Sports Images
There hasn’t been a more dominant left tackle during Smith’s career, as his eight Pro Bowls show. Unfortunately, he’s really had trouble staying on the field, playing a total of 13 games over the last two seasons. The wear and tear might be too much for Smith, who turns 32 in December.
24 of 25
Sammy Watkins, WR, Packers
![Sammy Watkins, WR, Packers](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1336,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/5/3/531e7e8a6ab92e60cf2548dab658b68054291d61/sammy-watkins-wr-packers.jpg)
Samantha Madar / USA Today Sports Images
Watkins struggled in the 13 games he was healthy with the Ravens last year. A Super Bowl hero with the Chiefs in 2019, Watkins hasn’t played an entire season since his rookie year in 2014, and lower body injuries could lead to ending his career early.
25 of 25
J.J. Watt, DE, Cardinals
![J.J. Watt, DE, Cardinals](https://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1297,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/9/0/909b59dcc1429f46247b73ceabbb7155ae53e7bb/jj-watt-de-cardinals.jpg)
Rob Schumacher / USA Today Sports Images
A three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Watt has struggled to stay on the field recently. He played only seven games last year, recording only one sack in the process. If Watt’s body fails to cooperate again, he could opt to end his career.