Sports Superstars We'd Love to See Make One Last Big Push
Though most sports superstars would prefer to leave their respective games while on top, doing so is easier said than done. In fact, for various reasons, a large majority of athletes never get the chance to do so.
There is, however, a select group of guys that fans hope can somehow find a way.
It would be great, for example, to see the legendary Peyton Manning complete his already gaudy resume by adding a second Super Bowl ring to his long list of accomplishments.
In a similar vein, the sports world yearns to see Tiger Woods return to form, to end his career with a bang rather than a bust.
Finally, the same can be said of the great Kobe Bryant, who NBA fans pray can rediscover his health and his game after three long, injury-riddled years.
With these elite athletes in mind, we've scoured the sports world to compile a comprehensive list, specifically highlighting the 15 Sports Superstars We'd Love to See Make One Last Big Push.
Some of our selections are young but dealing with injury while others have already reached the twilight of their careers. No matter what, though, we've identified an accomplished and exciting group of stars who have given us enough to have left us wanting more.
Close, but No Cigar
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Before you criticize us for leaving someone out, please check out our list of Superstar Honorable Mentions:
- Martin St. Louis
- Gianluigi Buffon
- Rafael Nadal
- Patrick Willis
- Henrik and Daniel Sedin
- Patrik Elias
- Henrik Zetterberg
- Brad Richards
- Francesco Totti
- Frank Lampard
- Didier Drogba
- Andre Johnson
- Kevin Garnett
- Ryan Howard
- Dwyane Wade
Dirk Nowitzki
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Not that long ago—2011, to be exact—Dirk Nowitzki led the Dallas Mavericks out of nowhere to an NBA title, the first and only in his career. In the process, Nowitzki stole the show, winning NBA Finals MVP in an upset over the LeBron James-led Miami Heat.
Since then, however, age has started taking a toll on the German's game. His production has dropped and, more importantly, his team hasn't made it past the first round of the playoffs since the memorable, and improbable, title run.
His slow but steady decline isn't all that surprising, either; Nowitzki, after all, is already 36 years of age.
He still has something considerable left in the tank, though, and—in Chandler Parsons, Tyson Chandler, Rajon Rondo and Monta Ellis—should have plenty of assistance heading into the 2015 playoffs.
And before the aging vet calls it quits—he has two years left on his contract, by the way—it sure would be fun to see a repeat of his 2011 assault on the league, which would go a long way in deservedly cementing his status as one of the best and most accomplished ballers of all time.
Jaromir Jagr
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There's no doubt about it—Jaromir Jagr is one of the most talented humans to ever lace up a pair of skates.
More specifically, he's in a class of his own as far as right wingers are concerned. With respect to the position, Jagr holds records for most career assists, most single-season points and most single-season assists.
And while he may not be the player he once was, he's still blowing minds even to this day. At 43 years of age, the five-time Art Ross Trophy winner is, somehow, still going strong, registering an impressive 114 points in his last 159 outings.
Suiting up for the lowly Florida Panthers hardly helps the two-time champ's title cause, but it would be fascinating to watch the iconic Jagr make one last run at the mountain top at an unprecedented age.
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Tony Romo
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While many over the years have questioned Tony Romo's superstar status, the Dallas Cowboys signal-caller left little doubt in 2014-15. In addition to leading his team to a 12-4 record, Romo led NFL quarterbacks in completion percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating.
More importantly, for the first time in years, Romo experienced some modicum of playoff success, leading the Cowboys to a first-round win over the Detroit Lions.
More and more—as Romo continues to mature and the Cowboys continue to stockpile talent—the Dallas gunslinger looks like he has what it takes to win big.
But it's now or never: Romo is already 34 years old and is coming off a substantial injury to his back.
When you consider all the drama he's been through of late and the exciting way in which he approaches the game, we find it surprisingly easy to hope this is the season the maligned quarterback finally gets over the hump.
Carmelo Anthony
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Forget that he missed 42 of 82 games while sometimes suiting up for the 17-65 New York Knicks, it's been years since Carmelo Anthony has played anything even approaching meaningful basketball.
In fact, it's been three seasons since an Anthony-led team has even made a postseason appearance and even longer since one has mattered—the last time the former No. 3 overall pick made it out of the first round occurred all the way back in 2009.
And don't look now, but Anthony is already 30 years old, which is often a make-or-break point in an NBA player's career.
Still, there's little doubt that, when healthy, the guy remains a true impact player. He led the league in scoring in 2012-13 and averaged 27.4 points per game in 2013-14. It sure would be nice, though, to see him prove it once again.
Miroslav Klose
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When Miroslav Klose retired from international soccer in August of 2014, Germany said goodbye to perhaps its most accomplished player of all time.
In addition to ranking as the nation's top goal scorer of all time—it's worth noting, Germany has never lost a game in which Klose has scored—he is also the all-time leader in World Cup goals scored with 16 in his illustrious career. He also helped the Germans win the iconic tournament in 2014.
And though he may never suit up for his nation again, Klose is still making a major impact on the club level, currently starring for Serie A's second-place Lazio.
Yet at 36 years old, the end may be near for the German star.
With, then, Klose's departure from the game in mind, it would only be fitting for one of soccer's most historically clutch players to exit the game as both a World Cup and club-level champion.
If it happens, we'll for sure be watching.
Albert Pujols
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No player in baseball today is as much a lock to make the sport's Hall of Fame as the great Albert Pujols. Simply put, the nine-time All-Star and three-time NL MVP is sure to go down as one of the all-time greats.
That said, the 35-year-old slugger has clearly regressed over the last couple of years. After hitting .312 or higher in 10 consecutive seasons, Pujols has failed to reach the .300 mark in each of the last four years.
Of course, it's hard to feel sorry for the guy. In addition to all the individual accolades and accomplishments, the first baseman captured two World Series titles during his 11 years in St. Louis.
Still, before he calls it quits, it would be nice to see a truly legendary performer put on one last show.
Derrick Rose
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At just 26 years of age, Derrick Rose may seem like an odd entry on our list. Injuries, however, have wreaked havoc on his career and left his future in doubt, which makes hoping and praying for his resurgence a more than worthwhile endeavor.
Before multiple knee injuries set him back, Rose was as dynamic and promising an NBA talent as any player not named LeBron James. In fact, he gave even LeBron a run for his money: After James won his first NBA MVP in 2009-10, Rose upended him just one year later, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to win the prestigious award.
Of course, it's been nearly all downhill since, with the three-time All-Star appearing in just 100 of a possible 328 games since his MVP campaign. At this point, though his career is hardly over, one has to wonder how many more setbacks he can endure.
And whether you're a fan of the Chicago Bulls or not, you simply have to root for the kid's recovery, because one thing's for sure: The game of basketball is far better off when Derrick Rose is healthy.
Joe Thornton
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At one point in time, Joe Thornton was unquestionably the best player in hockey.
In 2006, while suiting up for both Boston and San Jose, the skilled center became the first player in NHL history to win both the Art Ross and Hart Memorial trophies while playing for two different clubs. It's worth noting, he's also just the third player ever to record back-to-back 90-assist seasons ('06, '07), joining a prestigious club that includes only Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.
Even at 35, Thornton is still going strong—he registered 76 points in 2013-14—though he's also still searching for his first Stanley Cup. He won't get it this year, as his San Jose Sharks have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
And while Jumbo Joe wouldn't be the first historically elite athlete to exit sports without a title, we're seriously hoping he gets at least the chance to add one to his impressive resume before all is said and done.
Andrea Pirlo
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When it comes to Italian soccer, Andrea Pirlo is absolute royalty. And though he's not the elite player he once was, he's still kicking strong.
To this day, Pirlo continues to suit up for Juventus, which once again sits atop the Italian Serie A standings. His run there has been magical: Since joining the club in 2011, the legendary midfielder has led his team to three Italian titles (2012, '13 and '14), winning Serie A Player of the Year in all three seasons.
Of course, on the national scene, Pirlo has been just as impressive; he has the fourth-most caps (113) in the history of the Italian national team and led his country to a World Cup title in 2006.
At the age of 35, Pirlo's days are most likely numbered. But before he hangs up his cleats, we'd welcome the chance to see one of Italy's finest artists paint one last masterpiece.
Alex Rodriguez
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Alex Rodriguez is so universally disliked now that it's almost hard to remember when he was a diamond darling, baseball's most prized and promising talent.
Of course, more recently, Rodriguez has lost more than just fans; he, like Stella, has lost his groove.
Not only was A-Rod forced to miss all of 2014, but it's been six full years since he last hit above .300 and a solid four since he's hit more than 62 RBI in a season.
All the struggles, both on and off the field, have obscured memories of a once transcendent talent.
The 14-time All-Star and three-time MVP was the youngest player ever to reach 500 home runs and holds numerous other records as well.
On the diamond, Rodriguez possessed rare talent, the type we hope to one day see again, even if it means overlooking the guy's many pronounced shortcomings.
Adrian Peterson
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In no way do we excuse the actions that led to Adrian Peterson's run-in with the law and subsequent suspension from the NFL, which ended Thursday. And whether said transgressions prevent him from ever playing again is an issue on which we do not care to speak.
That said, from a purely football perspective, it would be a shame to see one of the all-time greatest running backs end on such an underwhelming and bitter note, as it would be a pleasure to see Peterson come back as both a better person and player.
The six-time Pro Bowler and 2012 MVP is responsible for the second-most prolific rushing season in NFL history and is already top 30 on the league's career rushing list.
If given the chance, Peterson can chase history, and we certainly wouldn't mind watching it all go down.
Kobe Bryant
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Even after suffering three major injuries in the last three seasons, Kobe Bryant is committed to returning to the NBA in 2015-16.
Sure, the Black Mamba is still under contract and has plenty more money to make, but make no mistake about it, Kobe continues to play ball because he is as hungry and competitive as any athlete on the planet today.
It's been said many times, but only because it's true: More than any other player, Bryant is reminiscent of the great Michael Jordan, as it relates to both style of play and the unwavering will to win.
Unfortunately, more than age, fatigue or even lack of health, a talent void in Los Angeles is Bryant's biggest impediment to regaining competitive relevance.
We know he'll be back, and he will likely perform at least near an all-star level. The real question, though, is whether Los Angeles Lakers management can put sufficient talent around the aging vet before it's too late.
We certainly hope they do, simply so we can watch the five-time champion perform one last time under the bright lights, on the biggest of stages, with something of significance on the line. After all, that's when the Mamba really comes alive.
Roger Federer
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In truth, Roger Federer has already accomplished plenty in the world of tennis. He has won more Grand Slam Titles—17—than any other man, and he completely revolutionized the game, elevating it to the point where specialists had to develop all-around games simply to get by.
The 33-year-old Federer, however, has slowed considerably with age, winning just one major—Wimbledon in 2012—in the last five seasons.
Of course, Fed is more than just the best tennis player to ever live; he's an all-time ambassador, too. He speaks at least four languages fluently, goes out of his way to ingratiate himself with fans, and is a full-fledged media and endorsement darling.
All that said, as the Swiss legend nears the end of his Hall of Fame career, it would be both fitting and thrilling to see the King of Tennis exit the sport with one last crowning achievement.
Tiger Woods
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Tiger Woods' bid to return to relevance went surprisingly well at the 2015 Masters. In addition to making the cut, the former world No. 1 finished in a respectable 18th place, posting a 68 and a 69 along the way.
Of course, it wasn't all rosy for Tiger at Augusta. He shot a mediocre 73 during Sunday's final round and injured himself in the process, dislocating his wrist on a ninth-hole punch shot.
Nonetheless, the tournament was a huge step in the right direction for a once-dominant player who hasn't won a major since 2008's U.S. Open. For the first time in what seems like forever, Tiger's game did the talking, showing glimpses of the old champ as well as promising signs for the future.
And though golf today seems to be in great shape regardless—youngsters like Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Dustin Johnson will carry the game for years to come—it would no doubt benefit hugely from Tiger's competitive presence.
Simply put, he's the most popular and influential golfer the world has ever seen, the sport's central focus whether he's playing or not.
But if he can get back to winning big again, the game will once again soar, to perhaps even greater heights than ever seen before.
Peyton Manning
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As far as regular-season play is concerned, no quarterback in the history of football has had as prolific a career as Peyton Manning.
He's a 14-time Pro Bowler and a five-time NFL MVP, not to mention he holds league records for most career TD passes, for most TD passes in a single season, and for most passing yards in a season, and trails only Brett Favre on the career passing yards list (to be exact, Manning is just 2,147 yards away from overtaking the former Packer).
Still, at the age of 39, with just one title under his belt, Manning has little time and something left to prove.
While he has already cemented his status among the very best quarterbacks to ever play the game, another ring or two would no doubt strengthen his case to be remembered as football's quarterbacking GOAT (greatest of all time).
And with said cause in mind, there isn't an easier guy to root for; on and off the field, Manning has said and done all the right things throughout the entirety of his 17-year career. He's the consummate professional, the hardest of workers, and the funniest of pitchmen.
If it's even possible for an athlete to deserve something, Manning deserves another ring. And though winning a title will be far from easy—Manning has plenty left in the tank, but his Broncos have been serious contenders in each of the last two seasons and have nonetheless fallen short both times—we'd love the chance to see it happen.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
