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3 NFL stars who returned from retirement
#3 - Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch began his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills, but made a name for himself with the Seattle Seahawks. He was a champion with them during the 2013 season and nearly won it all with them a year later.
Lynch's first retirement followed a 2015 season in which he missed time due to injury. That seemed to force him into the decision. But he was back in 2017 with the Oakland Raiders and put up a productive season with 891 yards and seven touchdowns. He returned in 2018, only to have to deal with injuries again.
The end to his career was fascinating as he signed with the Seahawks in 2019 for one final game and then the postseason. It was a fair conclusion to an exciting career out west.
#2 - Randy Moss
Randy Moss is one of the best receivers to ever play in the NFL. That is why it is shocking to see the way his career came to an end.
Moss began the 2010 season with the New England Patriots and was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, which was supposed to be a fantastic homecoming. He ended up lasting a total of four games after fighting with head coach Brad Childress. Moss then spent the final half of the season with the Tennessee Titans.
Moss spent a total of one year in NFL retirement before coming back and signing with the San Francisco 49ers. That saw him advance all the way to the Super Bowl where the 49ers fell to the Baltimore Ravens. The receiving legend finished his final season with 434 yards and three touchdowns.
#1 - Ricky Williams
Ricky Williams entered the NFL with extremely high expectations as a member of the New Orleans Saints. But he started making waves with the Miami Dolphins, only to retire during his prime in 2004.
He spent a full year away from the game and ended up returning in 2005 with the Dolphins. Unfortunately, a drug-related suspension followed in 2006, which knocked him out for the entire season, and it appeared his NFL career was over again.
But after a year in Canada, Williams returned to the Dolphins yet again in 2007. His career was back on track and he remained with the team through the 2010 season, even rushing for over 1,100 yards in 2009. What's impressive is that he was having this success well into his 30s.
Williams' career came to an official end after the 2010 season with the Ravens. He retired for the final time with 10,009 career rushing yards during a career that spanned 1999-2010. It was filled with controversy, but the final numbers prove just how dominant Williams was in the NFL.
The running back is easily the most unique NFL player on this list for his early retirement that arguably ended up prolonging his long-term career.
