The 5 Best Returns From Retirement In NFL History

Sep 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Marshawn Lynch is about to embark on a journey many NFL players have tried to travel. Regaining his old form after spending time in retirement.

Knowing Beast Mode as he is, it might not be wise to bet against him. The Seattle Seahawks will grant him his chance to join the Oakland Raiders sooner or later. No doubt he’s anxious to see if he can help that young team become more complete. It does raise a fascinating question though. Which players experienced the most success coming out of retirement in their careers? Here are five names ranging back several decades who stood out the most.

#5: Deion Sanders (2004)

It was puzzling why “Primetime” chose to return after three years off. He was 37-years old in 2004. He was destined for the Hall of Fame and had two rings. Perhaps it was just one last urge to prove something, and maybe play with some old friends in Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Sanders didn’t have the same speed he used to that year and also missed seven games with injury. However, he still salvaged a good showing with three interceptions and a defensive touchdown in nine games. The next year he played all 16 games. One last message that even in old age he could make plays.

#4: Brett Favre (2009)

The immortal one who revitalized Green Bay football and delivered the most impressive streak in NFL history couldn’t hide one reputation. He couldn’t stay away. Brett Favre returned from retirement three separate times. Each with wildly different results. His most successful by far was the second one, which was his first stint with the Minnesota Vikings in 2009. At 40-years old it was his last truly great year with a 12-4 record, 4,200 yards passing, 33 TDs and just seven interceptions. The ending was bittersweet in the NFC championship, but still. What a run.

#3: Randall Cunningham (1997)

In terms of individual talent at quarterback, there were few who are or were ever better than Randall Cunningham. He could run faster, jump higher, and throw farther than any of his peers. Never mind his superb punting ability. Sadly a large ego came with his huge success in Philadelphia and he never really learned to embrace the leadership role. He retired in 1996. After a year away from the game, he was lured back by Minnesota. Expecting to be a backup, Randall was thrust into the starting role by injuries where he reached a Pro Bowl and won two playoff games.

#2: Otto Graham (1955)

After his sixth championship in 1954, “Automatic” Otto was ready to call it a career. He was turning 34-years old at the time and had little left to prove. However, going into 1955 Cleveland Browns head coach Paul Brown recognized the team wouldn’t be the same at quarterback. So he pleaded for Graham to return. Honoring his longtime coach, Otto accepted. Though he had a down season statistically, it didn’t matter. Cleveland repeated as champions anyway. Graham retired for good after that.

#1: Bronko Nagurski (1943)

One of the first truly great running backs in history. Nagurski was a freakish physical specimen who literally frightened opponents with the Chicago Bears during the 1930s. After a successful stint, he got into a pay dispute with the team and retired in 1937. For the next five years he made a productive living as a professional wrestler. However, the onset of World War II caused a shortage of players across the NFL. So Nagurski accepted the Bears’ offer to come back. His stats will never tell the story, but he proved vital that year, helping them seal their third title of the decade.

Home/NFL Hot Takes