20 NFL Veterans Who Should Retire After 2012 Season

There comes a point in every NFL players career where it’s time to call it quits. Whether it’s due to injury, age catching up with them or no team wanting their services, finally hanging up the cleats is an extremely difficult thing to do.

For fans of the player, it marks an end of a journey with the player. Draft day to the final press conference is a journey most fans will never forget.

For the players, retirement is only the beginning. Regardless of going out on a high-note or attempting to play too long, it marks the end of a dream fulfilled. Some players will be happy to spend more time with their families, while others will have to face the uncertainty of how participating in such a violent sport will impact them as they age.

At the conclusion of the 2012 season, the same scenario will play out as it always has—veterans who put their heart into the game will be forced to stop playing for various reasons.

Here are 20 veterans who will retire after the 2012 season:

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Matt Birk, C, Baltimore Ravens

Matt Birk to date has played 14 seasons in the NFL, and is looking to play at least one more. Birk spent 11 years with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Baltimore Ravens in 2009.

Birk has been a force throughout his career as the signal-caller for a variety of quarterbacks. Having participated in 190 games so far and quickly approaching his 37^th birthday, it’s hard to see Birk playing after 2012.

Birk joined the Ravens in pursuit of winning a Super Bowl, and he may get his chance in 2012. With age slowly catching up to him, expect Birk to call it quits after next season, Lombardi Trophy or not.

Chad Ochocinco, WR, New England Patriots

Chad Ochocinco has had a prestigious NFL career that is slowly beginning to fade. His career numbers are great—766 receptions for 11,059 yards and 67 touchdowns. One thing Chad doesn’t have is a ring, which is why he joined the New England Patriots last year.

In New England Chad didn’t do much, even with Tom Brady throwing him the ball. Chad had a measly 15 catches for 276 yards and one score. His dream of making it to the Super Bowl was finally realized, but it ended in defeat.

The Patriots are willing to bring Chad back in 2012 if he restructures his deal. It’s hard to see him having much better stats than last year, which means 2012 will probably be the finale of the Ocho Show.

Bobbie Williams, G, Cincinnati Bengals

Bobbie Williams isn’t a household name, but he’s been a solid guard for the past 12 NFL seasons. After joining the Cincinnati Bengals in 2004, Williams put in eight great years of work for the franchise.

Williams’ specialty has always been run-blocking, but he has been an above-average pass blocker for most of his career. In 2011 Williams missed the first four games for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing drugs, and missed the end of the season with a broken ankle.

Williams is 36 and is attempting to come back from a broken ankle, but he’ll likely recover in time for next season. The Bengals will need him next year, but 2012 will likely mark the end of an underrated, but very solid career.

Ronde Barber, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ronde Barber has put together an illustrious 15-year career that isn’t over yet. In 2011, at age 36, Barber was the best player in the secondary for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs would like to bring Barber back in 2012, and Barber sounds more than happy to oblige.

In 15 seasons Barber has racked up 913 tackles, 27 sacks, 43 interceptions and seven defensive touchdowns. He’s never played anywhere but Tampa Bay, a feat admirable on its own considering the team isn’t the most competitive consistently.

Barber is going to turn 37 soon, and it doesn’t appear as if the Bucs are going to be contending in 2012. Barber will call it quits after 16 seasons of very respectable football.

Takeo Spikes, LB, San Diego Chargers

Takeo Spikes racked up 106 tackles last year at the age of 35, nothing out of the ordinary for his great 14-year career thus far. Spikes has played for five different teams in that time-span, and the production has been consistent unless he was injured.

Spikes has 1,002 tackles, 28.5 sacks and 19 interceptions in his career. He has always been a vocal leader on and off the field, and has always struck fear into his opponents.

Unfortunately for Spikes, he’s infamous for having never made the playoffs no matter where he goes. Perhaps in 2012 Spikes will taste the postseason for the first time in 15 attempts, consider it a small victory and finally allow himself to retire.

Jeff Saturday, C, Indianapolis Colts

Since 1999, Jeff Saturday has been a mainstay on offensive line for the Indianapolis Colts. For 13 seasons he has been a quiet leader, mauling his opposition in the trenches. He’s also protected one of the greatest ever in Peyton Manning.

Saturday is currently a free agent, but has been preparing as if he is going to play in 2012. In all likelihood, his decision could hinge on the outcome of the Manning situation. Either way, if the 36-year-old decides to suit up for one more season, it will certainly be his last.

Terence Newman, CB, Dallas Cowboys

It’s no secret that Terence Newman is beginning to lose a step, that’s a given for a player at his position approaching 34 years old. Nine years deep into his career, Newman has quietly put together an impressive body of work.

Newman so far has 542 tackles and 32 interceptions. He has spent all nine years playing for the Dallas Cowboys, and has put up great numbers each year. For a smaller corner, Newman has done quite well for himself to date.

Newman is still under contract with the Cowboys, but it sounds as if the team would like him to take a pay cut. Regardless of whether he's in Cowboys blue next year or not, the continued regression of Newman’s abilities will likely mean 2012 is his last year in the NFL.

Keith Brooking, LB, Dallas Cowboys

Keith Brooking has played in the NFL for 14 seasons now, and is set on playing one more season despite being 37 years old. He’s the prime example of a player who doesn’t know when to hang it up.

Not to say Brooking has had a mediocre career—he has racked up over 1,200 tackles to go with 21 sacks and 13 interceptions. He spent 11 seasons in Atlanta before joining the Cowboys in 2009.

Brooking is intent on playing in 2012, and the Cowboys haven't decided on whether or not they'll re-sign him. Wherever Brooking lands next season, it will surely be his last.

Yeremiah Bell, S, Miami Dolphins

Yeremiah Bell has only played eight seasons in the NFL, but is already going on 35 years old. Those eight seasons have been up and down, but the ups have been great.

Bell has 560 tackles so far, as his strength throughout his career has been in defending the run. Last season alone Bell racked up 107 tackles on a vastly underrated Miami Dolphins defense.

Bell’s production hasn’t dropped off yet, but there is speculation that the Dolphins will cut him to try and save some cap room. Bell will find a team willing to pay him, though, but 2012 will more than likely be his last season, as defensive backs don’t typically make it past 35 in the NFL.

Juqua Parker, DE, Philadelphia Eagles

Juqua Parker hasn’t had a career riddled with eye-popping stats, but he has always been a productive player in rotational defensive lines. He has 11 years of experience in the league so far and is approaching 34 years old.

Parker’s numbers are average, with 231 tackles and 36.5 sacks in 11 years. His contributions  have been that of depth, consistency and tenacity. He won’t always land the sack, but he’s constantly putting pressure on the quarterback.

Parker likely won’t be back with the Eagles next season, but his skill set will allow him to find a job somewhere. Unfortunately, 2012 will likely be his last season as age is creeping up on him, and younger, more versatile and athletic players continue to enter the league at the position.

Casey Hampton, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers

Casey Hampton has quietly had a great career while doing the dirty work typical of a nose tackle in the NFL. He won’t earn massive stats, but he anchors the line and allows others around him to excel.

Eleven seasons into his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Hampton has compiled 347 tackles. His massive frame has allowed him to dominate the trenches with ease for over a decade.

Hampton is currently recovering from a torn ACL, but the team is expecting him back in 2012. Hampton’s contract expires in after the 2012 season, and it’s hard to see him trying to play after that, as he’ll be approaching 36 years old.

Tony Gonzalez, TE, Atlanta Falcons

Tony Gonzalez has already stated that 2012 will be his last season in the NFL. The 15-year veteran will put an end to a career that saw him become one of the best tight ends of all time.

Gonzalez has caught 1,149 passes for 13,338 yards and 95 touchdowns in his career, spending 12 seasons in Kansas City before joining the Atlanta Falcons in 2009. Remarkably, his production hasn’t deterred much season to season throughout his career.

Gonzalez will undoubtedly end on a high-note by making it over the career 100-touchdown mark, which is sure to be an emotional event for all involved. It hurts to see a legend like Gonzalez go, but the time has come.

Rashean Mathis, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Rashean Mathis’ career is winding down after tearing his ACL last season. He’s set to be a free agent this offseason, but he would prefer to stay in Jacksonville like he has for the entirety of his nine-year career.

Mathis has been an exceptional player to date, recording 498 tackles and 30 interceptions. Mathis is a well-rounded corner who excelled in all facets of the game when it came to the defensive back position.

Mathis is approaching 32 years old, the danger zone for corner backs. Coming off of ACL surgery will be tough, but some team will take a risk on him. 2012 will likely be the last time Mathis plays an NFL down thanks to injuries and age.

Donald Driver, WR, Green Bay Packers

Donald Driver is slowly on the decline as his 13-year career comes to an end. However, all 13 years have been memorable for Packers’ fans.

In 13 seasons Driver has amassed 735 receptions for 10,060 yards and 59 touchdowns. His hands and route running were always consistent, making him a reliable target throughout his career.  Driver has always been known as one of the toughest receivers in the league, going across the middle without hesitation.

Approaching age 38, Driver looks to have one season left in the tank. The Packers will likely keep him around as a veteran presence and situational player, but don’t expect Driver to be in the league past the 2012 season.  

Brian Waters, G, New England Patriots

For 12 seasons Brian Waters has been one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the league. He spent 11 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs before joining the New England Patriots last season.

Waters won the first playoff game of his career last season with the Patriots, and got to play in a Super Bowl. He was arguably the Patriots’ best offensive linemen despite being 35 years old.

Waters claims he is considering retirement, but that’s hard to believe after the way he played this past season. Finally getting a taste of a Super Bowl has to make any player want to come back. Waters’ contract expires after the 2012 season, and that’s when he will finally call it quits.

John Henderson, DT, Oakland Raiders

John Henderson has had a heck of a 10-year career up to this point. He hasn’t shown many signs of slowing down either, despite going on 34 years old.

For 10 years Henderson has been one of the most feared defensive linemen in the league, racking up 489 tackles and 29 sacks. His energy and ferocity are things that have been widely documented, and offensive players typically regret going in his vicinity.

Henderson is under contract for one more year with the Oakland Raiders, and after that he will likely put an end to his outstanding career. There isn’t much Henderson hasn’t done, but adding a Super Bowl ring would be a great way to ride off into the sunset.

Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore Ravens

Ray Lewis is one of the greatest players of all time, and he isn’t done just yet. Despite turning 37 in May, Lewis still believes he has some left in the tank to give NFL fans everywhere a 17^th season.

Lewis is still one of the most feared players in the league. To date, he has 1,279 tackles, 40.5 sacks and 31 interceptions. His vocal leadership is the stuff of legend, and he will continue to be an important piece for the Ravens next season.

Lewis has defied age thus far considering what he does, and a 17^th season likely won’t see his production dip too drastically. Lewis is slowly beginning to regress, but his best is still among the top of the league at his position.

If the Ravens win it all in 2012, expect Lewis to go out on top.

Ed Reed, S, Baltimore Ravens

Ed Reed has been the best at what he does for some time now. There isn’t a bigger play-maker in the NFL, and Reed has done it with ease for 10 seasons.

Reed has 547 tackles and 57 interceptions thus far. What’s more impressive is his 13 touchdowns—three blocked punts, one punt return, two fumble returns and seven interception returns. It’s been difficult for the past decade to do anything against the Ravens with a player like Reed lurking in the middle of the field.

Reed has struggled with injuries recently, and that has cast some doubt on whether he will continue to play. He has confirmed he will be back for the 2012 season, but after that he is a free agent. Look for Reed to call it quits before he sustains another serious injury.

London Fletcher, LB, Washington Redskins

London Fletcher is one of the most underrated players of all time. He isn’t a big name like Ray Lewis, but he is dominant in his own way at the position. Last season alone Fletcher put up a ridiculous 166 tackles.

Fletcher has 1,546 tackles and 18 interceptions in his 14-year career. He has played for three teams in that time span, but most recently wreaked havoc for the Washington Redskins.

Fletcher is turning 37 soon, but knows he has something left in the tank. After a 166-tackle season, it’s hard to doubt him. Fletcher and the Redskins are working out a contract because he is a free agent, but if that falls through, he’ll find a starting gig somewhere else.

It’s hard to see Fletcher playing the position this effectively when he is 38, so expect 2012 to be a final sendoff for Fletcher.

Hines Ward, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

After 14 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hines Ward was recently released. It was easy to see coming with Ward’s lack of production as he faded down the depth chart, but don’t think Ward is done just yet.

In those 14 years Ward has caught 1,000 passes for 12,083 yards and 85 touchdowns. He is known as one of the most physical receivers to ever play the game, and his intensity was unmatched. He has won two Super Bowls, been named a Super Bowl MVP and holds the Steelers' career records for receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

As much as it may hurt, expect to see Ward playing somewhere besides Pittsburgh in 2012. He’s set on not retiring, and it’s a sure thing that some team will give him an opportunity. At almost 36 years old, Ward’s skills are rapidly declining, so expect 2012 to be his last season in the NFL.