Who Retired From The NFL in 2020?

The NFL saw a lot of changes in 2020, including several high-profile retirements. Here’s a look at who decided to hang up their cleats for good this past year.

Tom Brady

Tom Brady announced his retirement from the NFL on March 17, 2020, after 20 seasons with the New England Patriots. Brady is a six-time Super Bowl champion, four-time Super Bowl MVP, and three-time NFL MVP. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Drew Brees

QB Drew Brees announced his retirement from the NFL after 20 seasons, writing in a letter to Saints fans that it “is time for me to move on to something else.” He retires as the league’s all-time leader in passing yards (80,358) and passing TDs (571).

Larry Fitzgerald

Larry Fitzgerald, wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, has announced his retirement from the NFL after an illustrious 17-year career. Fitzgerald was a first-round pick in the 2004 NFL Draft and went on to have a decorated career, becoming one of the most productive wide receivers in NFL history. He is a three-time Pro Bowler and was named to the NFL All-Pro First Team in 2008. He finishes his career with 1,378 receptions for 17,083 yards and 120 touchdowns.

Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson, former Detroit Lions wide receiver, announced his retirement from the NFL on March 8, 2016. Johnson, who was 30 years old at the time of his retirement, cited the numerous concussions and other injuries he had sustained throughout his career as his primary reasons for stepping away from the game. Although he had played in all 16 games during the 2015 season, Johnson had been battling various injuries for several years and had contemplated retirement prior to the 2016 season. In total, Johnson played nine seasons in the NFL, all with the Lions, and amassed 11,619 receiving yards and 83 touchdown catches. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and was named First-Team All-Pro three times.

Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynch, who played running back for the Seattle Seahawks and the Oakland Raiders, announced his retirement from the NFL on Twitter on April 18, 2020. Lynch had a stellar career, being selected for the Pro Bowl six times and being named First-Team All-Pro three times. He was also a key member of the Seahawks team that won Super Bowl XLVIII.