NFL Playoffs 2012: 8 Players Who Could Be Playing Their Last Games

Defeat at any stage of the playoffs is a painful blow to absorb. For some, exit from the league's annual postseason tournament could spell the end, or at least prolonged interruption of their NFL careers.

Those veterans clinging on for one last shot at glory, desperate to experience a Super Bowl after over a decade of pro struggles, could view a playoff exit as the sign to finally call it a day.

Then there are those athletes beset by injuries, whose ailing bodies may deny them the chance to step back on an NFL field in 2012.

Here is a list of eight playoff players who might be playing their last games.

8. Justin Smith, DL, San Francisco 49ers

Justin Smith continues to defy time and remain a linchpin of the ferocious San Francisco 49ers defense. But how much does the 11-year pro have left?

If the 49ers cannot overcome Drew Brees and the high powered New Orleans Saints offense, Smith could decide that he's had enough.

Or the 49ers could choose to put a younger player in his place, much like they did when they moved out Takeo Spikes in favour of NaVorro Bowman. Such a move may not sit well with a veteran as proud and dedicated as Smith.

7. Shaun Ellis, DL, New England Patriots

Aging pass rusher Shaun Ellis will be a free agent whenever the Patriots season concludes. But after a below par campaign in which he has only registered one sack, there might not be a great deal of interest in the 34-year-old.

A lack of suitors could prompt Ellis to walk away from the game after 12 years of solid play. Or, instead of testing the free agent market, Ellis may choose to end his career on the most positive note of all if the Patriots capture a fourth Lombardi trophy.

That would be a first Super Bowl for Ellis and the perfect way to conclude his pro career.

6. John Kasay, K, New Orleans Saints

John Kasay has defied the years to return to the NFL and bang through field goals for the explosive Saints.

That's not bad going for a 21-year veteran who began his career as the kicker for the expansion Carolina Panthers back in 1995.

But it's hard to envisage Kasay returning for the 2012 season. The Saints don't use him on kickoffs or for long field goal attempts and he will turn 43 by next season.

Like Ellis, Kasay will try to win a first Super Bowl, but is unlikely to be back no matter when the Saints season ends.

5. Donald Driver, WR, Green Bay Packers

It would be a great shame no to see Donald Driver in action in the 2012 regular season. Arguably the most intelligent and technically proficient receiver in the game during the last decade, Driver has suggested that retirement is on his mind.

With Jordy Nelson having firmly established himself as one of Aaron Rodgers' favourite targets alongside Greg Jennings, Driver has fallen down the pecking order.

The durable and sure handed pass catcher could finally decide he has done all he can in a distinguished pro career. 

4. Champ Bailey, CB, Denver Broncos

No true fan would welcome the sight of Champ Bailey walking away from the game. As good a cornerback as the league has ever seen, since he entered the NFL in 1999, Bailey remains a defensive playmaker of the highest calibre.

He was magnificent against Pittsburgh Steelers' speedster Mike Wallace last night. Bailey taught the young flanker more than a few lessons about the lost art of man coverage.

But the 33-year-old, 13-year cover ace doesn't have long left as a top level, starting corner. Bailey may not wish to consign himself to a situational role next season.

If the Broncos once again find themselves baffled by the Patriots, it could mark the last ever game for one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history.

3. Jake Delhomme, QB, Houston Texans

Given that he was only brought in as a stop gap measure, Jake Delhomme's brief stint with the Houston Texans is likely over as soon as their season ends.

The mistake prone veteran did little to convince anyone that he is a viable option ahead of T.J. Yates. Delhomme's only start was in a Week 17 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

The 36-year-old's stock has tumbled ever since his litany of interceptions against the Arizona Cardinals, while playing for the Carolina Panthers in the 2008-09 playoffs.

There may not be much interest in the former Super Bowl starter, even as a backup, for 2012.

2. Terrell Thomas, CB, New York Giants

After a litany of serious injuries in his young career, it remains to be seen if Terrell Thomas will be able to make it back from his latest setback.

The tenacious corner has been sidelined all year with a torn ACL. Medical issues are always difficult to speculate on, but Thomas has endured so many physical issues that there has to be doubts about his playing future.

If he escapes the worst case scenario and makes it back onto the field, the Giants could still deem Thomas too big of a risk.

Then you have to wonder how many other teams would be willing to take a chance on such a talented, yet equally brittle player?

1. Ray Lewis, ILB , Baltimore Ravens

There may be many outside Baltimore who would love to see the back of Ray Lewis. But love him or hate him, the 36-year-old redefined the physical requirements of the mike linebacker position.

The 16-year veteran tackling machine remains one of the game's most ferocious and intimidating hitters. But Lewis has started to show genuine wear and tear this season for maybe the first time in his career.

It's hard to escape the feeling that Lewis has been hanging on for one last Super Bowl with the Ravens. If Joe Flacco and company can finally deliver this year, Lewis may choose to retire and begin waiting to be enshrined at Canton.