Say It Ain't So: 12 Athletes That Just Might Be Done
Tiger Woods isn't actually done…is he? He hasn't won a major since 2008, but then again, he's still relatively young in golf terms. And despite what people may think of his demeanor or personal life, it sure would be sad to see a legend go out this way.
There are a few other athletes like that in sports right now—iconic figures whose decline we just aren't quite ready for. For some, it would be great to see them win another championship, overcome an injury or just have one final flash of greatness before they're done for good.
And for others, like Abby Wambach, it will just be darn sad to see them retire from a game they love, and a game we love watching them play.
So, are these 12 athletes finished contributing at a high level? Are they done or not? I'm no fortune teller, but here are a few educated guesses.
Adam Vinatieri
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If tasked with naming the most famous NFL kicker, many fans might name Adam Vinatieri. The Indianapolis Colts kicker has made some of the most legendary field goals in the history of the league—game-winners in two Super Bowls and two clutch boots in the infamous Snow Bowl. It's always tough to see the great ones go.
However, although Vinatieri is over 40 years old, he said in December he has no plans to retire. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Vinatieri said of playing a few more years, "I don't think that's out of my limits."
That might be true. Kickers, after all, tend to have a little more longevity—Schefter pointed out Hall of Fame kicker George Blanda didn't retire until he was 48.
Verdict: Not done
Drew Brees
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Some say 36-year-old New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is experiencing a decline. Others say, pssh, right.
The facts are this. The Saints had an off year in 2014, finishing at 7-9. As for Brees, he led the league in attempts, completions, passing yards and yards per game.
Katherine Terrell of the Times-Picayune reported Brees had this to say following a November victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers: "My mentality, my approach, my preparation and my process throughout the week does not change regardless of whether people are singing my praises or telling me that I can't play anymore. I really don't care."
Brees proved as recently as last season he is still capable of big numbers. So...
Verdict: Not done
Didier Drogba
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Didier Drogba is the Ivory Coast's all-time leading goal scorer. He has spent much of his club career with Chelsea, playing there from 2004-12 and again from 2014-15 and helping the team win four Premier League titles.
Now in his late 30s, Drogba has played his last game with Chelsea, but he's not ready for retirement yet. He is reportedly in talks with a couple MLS teams, and his former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho told ESPN, "If I owned a club I would immediately think about a player like him -- a man like him -- to be the centre of the club's universe."
There was a reason Chelsea didn't hang on to Drogba as a player. His likely stint in the MLS will be good for American soccer, and it will give Drogba a chance to play a little longer. But make no mistake, it won't be because he's still in peak form.
Verdict: Done
Joe Nathan
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Joe Nathan of the Detroit Tigers has had a long and successful MLB career. A 15-year veteran and six-time All-Star, the righty reliever tore his UCL in April. At 40 years old, he will need Tommy John surgery and miss significant time.
Yet, he doesn't plan to retire. According to Mike Oz of Big League Stew, Nathan told reporters, "Nothing's come easy and this definitely won't be easy, it's gonna be a long road. I've always enjoyed the work and this will be no different. I will rehab and do everything I am supposed to as if I am coming back to be a major league pitcher. That is my goal, to come back and pitch again."
It's a great goal, and it's hard not to root for him. But coming back from Tommy John in your 40s?
Verdict: Done
Vince Carter
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Vince Carter has been in the NBA since the 1998-99 season. He is nearing 40 and has transitioned into a role player with the Memphis Grizzlies, but he's still going.
Carter signed a three-year deal with Memphis in July 2014. Though his numbers declined in the first year—16.5 minutes, 5.8 points and two rebounds per game—he still played a key part in the Grizzlies' playoff run and even threw down an occasional, vintage V.C. jam.
Carter told Scott Cacciola of the New York Times in April, "I can't imagine not playing. I can't accept that yet. I'm not at that point where I wake up and it's like, I'm tired of this."
He may be a role player, but he's embraced it. And he is still capable of electrifying basketball plays, at least once in awhile.
Verdict: Done being a star, but not done contributing
Roger Federer
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It's a tough sell to say Roger Federer is declining, given that he just played in his second-straight Wimbledon Final. Still, doubts about his longevity began to arise in 2013 when he missed two Grand Slam quarterfinals in a row and dealt with a back injury. And he still hasn't won a Grand Slam since 2012.
At the latest Wimbledon tournament, tennis legend John McEnroe praised Federer but also questioned his ability to last through tough battles.
According to Tom Allnutt of the Daily Mail, McEnroe said, "I didn't think Roger was going to win another one. But every time I watch him play like this, you've got to think, 'Well, of course he's got a chance if you're playing this well.' But to beat Murray, and in all likelihood Djokovic, to do that back-to-back, best-of-five, that's a tough situation for Roger."
Djokovic did outlast Federer in the final, winning 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3. However, Federer is only 33 years old, and the idea that he might be done winning Grand Slams is both tough to swallow and believe.
Verdict: Not done
Abby Wambach
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It would be great to see Abby Wambach go out on top with a World Cup win, but then again, it's also sad to think of her retiring.
The U.S. soccer legend neglected to make a committed statement regarding her retirement following the big victory. Martin Rogers of USA Today reported Wambach said, "There is probably no better way to go out, right? But…I'm just going to really enjoy this for now."
Wambach is the all-time leading goal scorer for the U.S. women's national team and a true American sports icon. It will be a bummer to see her go, but my guess is she'll end up retiring.
Verdict: Done
Manu, Duncan (and Pop)
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Watching the San Antonio Spurs solidify its dynasty status for the last 15 years has been truly incredible. And even though Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan and Co. sometimes look like they could play for eternity, alas, that is unlikely.
Ginobili has indicated the upcoming season will probably be his last. Duncan announced he'll return for the 2015-16 campaign, signing a two-year deal, but at 39, one has to wonder how much longer the big man really has. And although he's not an athlete Gregg Popovich is worth mentioning here because he's hinted Duncan's departure might signal his own. Any way you slice it, time is winding down on their golden era.
The Spurs are like the proverbial "good thing"—under-appreciated when it's there but sorely missed when it's gone. Luckily for basketball fans, this group is poised to make another push, particularly with the offseason addition of LaMarcus Aldridge.
Verdict: Not done
Jaromir Jagr
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In September 2014, future Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr told Fire and Ice, "I want to play until 50, maybe more."
However, NHL retirement seemed as though it might be near in May 2014, when Jagr first announced his retirement from the Czech Republic national team. And after changes to his role and playing time with the New Jersey Devils, Jagr was traded to the Florida Panthers the following February. At 43 years of age, the right winger is no spring chicken, but his talent is still undeniable. He leads all active players with 722 goals.
Jagr returned to the Czech national team in May for the IIHF World Championships. According to Kirstie Chiappelli of Sporting News, Jagr said, "I'm not finishing my career; I'll play for Florida for at least one more season. And after an [NHL retirement] I'm still planning to come back and play in the Czech League."
My inkling here is Jagr's age will continue to gain on him, but he also sounds like a man who will simply refuse to be done.
Verdict: Not done
Kobe Bryant
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Kobe Bryant has played in the NBA for almost two decades and won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is notoriously one of the hardest working, most competitive players in the game, and he will go down as one of the greatest of all time, with our without that elusive sixth ring.
Still, his Lakers have sputtered in the past few seasons, and as Bryant has struggled with injuries and gotten older, some wonder if that sixth ring will ever come. And when will the Mamba decide to hang it up for good?
Bryant has yet to reveal any retirement plans for certain. However, he recently spoke to ESPN's Jamele Hill at the BET Experience about a possible retirement after the 2015-16 season. According to Baxter Holmes of ESPN, he told Hill, "It might be. You gotta retire sometime. I'm not Benjamin Button, man."
Some might want to see Bryant win another championship—some might not. It sure would make the MJ vs. Kobe debate more interesting. Either way, Bryant is still a high-level player. Unfortunately, he's just not on a very promising team at the moment, and time is running out.
Verdict: Done (winning championships)
Peyton Manning
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Peyton Manning is a surefire Hall of Famer. However, when the legendary quarterback sat out an entire season with a neck injury in 2011, some wondered if he would ever regain his elite form.
Manning definitely regained his form, to the tune of a 2013 NFL MVP and the career record for touchdown passes. However, his Denver Broncos' brutal loss in Super Bowl XLVIII left more than a few fans wondering if Manning was done.
He wasn't—he came back the next year and led the Broncos back to the playoffs, but another failed championship run brought the doubters back, yet again. After the loss, Doug Farrar of SI.com wrote, "Manning has nonetheless been vulnerable this season in ways he hadn't been before." Kenneth Arthur of Sports on Earth even suggested, "Denver is better off without Peyton."
Still, amid swirling retirement rumors, Arnie Stapleton of the Associated Press reported in June that retirement is "not on Manning’s radar."
He'll play another season, but will he win? Manning has proved doubters wrong more than once before, and he just might do it again.
Verdict: Not done
Tiger Woods
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Even if he retired today, Tiger Woods would go down as one of the greatest golfers of all time. He helped rejuvenate interest in the sport with his youth, marketability and heroics on the course during the late 1990s and 2000s.
Despite his 14 major victories, Woods hasn't won a big one since 2008. Plagued by injuries and personal scandal, some wonder if Woods is done.
Woods himself balked at the mere suggestion of retirement during a press conference at the British Open. According to Steve DeMeglio of USA Today, he said, "Retirement? I don't have any AARP card yet, so I'm a ways from that. … I'm still young. I'm not 40 yet. I know some of you guys think I'm buried and done, but I'm still right here in front of you."
Jack Nicklaus revamped his game to find success late in his career. Can Woods do the same and win a 15th major?
Verdict: Done
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