This is the fourth post in my “End of the Road” blog post series about NFL players who have retirement rumors looming over their heads.
In this post, I’m talking about some big names. TOM BRADY, Jason Witten, and Darren Sproles. Enjoy!
TOM BRADY
Position: Quarterback
Team: New England Patriots
Age: 42 years old
Contract: Contract is up
Thoughts:
Well, well, well. The contract of the “G.O.A.T” is up. But…I don’t think that means anything. I read on Bleacher Reports that the Pats and Brady haven’t talked about a new contract since August but that doesn’t mean anything. Despite what many people are saying regarding Brady going elsewhere, I 100% see Brady wanting to go back to New England. I just don’t see him going somewhere else but then again no one saw Peyton Manning going somewhere else. He’s going to come back for a year to three years and retire as a New England Patriot. That’s it. I was really expecting some big announcement in his Super Bowl commercial when it began but that didn’t happen so I expect to see Tom Brady in his Patriots jersey in training camp as per usual.
JASON WITTEN
Position: TIGHT END
Team: Dallas Cowboys
Age: 37 years old
Contract: One year contract is up.
Thoughts:
I was going to say that Witten’s time has come to an end but it was recently reported that he is willing to play for other teams. I am a little surprised just because he seemed done to me. I wasn’t expecting this especially because he was already a commentator on ESPN last year. He came back because he missed it so much and tried to help the team. The Cowboys are a sad sight right now so Jason Witten couldn’t have helped them on his own. I mean, they’re a mess with a capital M. I actually thought this year was almost a test for himself. He was up in the booth but wanted to be on the field again so he came back I expected him to say that he got it out of his system or felt like he needed to push his body one more year and would be done. I guess not. I’m happy for him though. I’d like to see him do well elsewhere if that’s what he wants to do. I don’t see him staying for more than two years but if he can perform at a high level on another team if the cowboys don’t want him back, then he should! Being apart of the draft class of ’03 and a 37 year old tight end is impressive. I’m not putting down Gronk at all but look at him. He’s 30 and had to retire so Witten has gotten really far.
DARREL SPROLES
Position: Running Back
Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Age: 36 years old
Contract: One year extension is up.
Thoughts:
Darren Sproles has already announced his retirement. He knows it’s time. His body is done and he has repeatedly stated that he gave everything he had. He was a standout Eagles and was actually drafted by the Chargers in ’05 so he’s been in the league for 15 years. He’ll be remembered for his work ethic and how he constantly proved people wrong. He was always criticized for his height. Everyone sees all of these NFL players who are mostly 5’11” and over but Sproles is 5’6″ and has an outstanding career behind him. I am a Giants fan and absolutely despise the Eagles but I mean it when I say congrats on your retirement!
One more post to follow!
*Featured Image- In order from left to right from Dallas Morning News, Chowder and Champions, and SB Nation.
*Picture of Tom Brady from nfl.com.
*Pictures of Jason Witten and Darren Sproles from ESPN.
