5 NFL players who proved coming out of retirement might not be a good idea

NFL Hall of Famers Brett Favre and Deion Sanders
NFL Hall of Famers Brett Favre and Deion Sanders

NFL players who probably shouldn't have come out of retirement (#3-#5)

#3 - Deion Sanders

Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders
Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders

Deion Sanders is one of the greatest coverage cornerbacks of all time. He is also one of the most dynamic athletes, playing offense, defense and special teams while having a successful career in professional baseball, all at the same time.

Deion Sanders retired from football in 2000 but returned in 2004 with the Baltimore Ravens. He played pretty well as a third corner, recording five interceptions in 25 games across two seasons, but didn't have the same explosiveness and versatility. He proved that he could still play at 37 and 38 years old, but really had nothing left to prove at that point.

#4 - Reggie White

Philadelphia Eagles fans honoring Reggie White
Philadelphia Eagles fans honoring Reggie White

Reggie White recorded 198 career sacks, the second highest total in NFL history. He retired after being named Defensive Player of the Year for the 1998 season with the Green Bay Packers. After taking a year off, he returned with the Carolina Panthers for the 2000 season. He recorded just 5.5 sacks that year, the lowest total for any season season of his entire career.

#5 - Ricky Williams

Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams
Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams

Ricky Williams is a unique case because he retired when he was just 26 years old and one of the best running backs in the league. He was never the same after taking a year off. Before retirement, he recorded four straight seasons with at least 1,000 rushing yards and 350 receiving yards. In the five seasons since returning, he has only once surpassed 1,000 rushing yards and has never exceeded 300 receiving yards.

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