Ray Lewis and 5 Other NFL Veterans Whose Careers Are in Lockout Limbo

Who knows when the NFL lockout will end, but each day it continues does make it seem like we're headed to a fall without the NFL.

Once that happens, you'd figure that both sides would get desperate enough at some point in October or November to reach an agreement.

But what if they don't? What if they get all NHL 2005 on us and decide to go an entire year without pro football?

Sure that would be devastating for the fans. And the rookies out there would lose an entire season of time to develop, as would the vets.

But for some, could it actually signify the end to their NFL career?

There have to be some players out there who wondered this spring, "Do I have one more year in me?"  If there is a lockout, perhaps that could be the tiebreaker in their decision making process.

Here are six stars of the NFL who might have been looking at 2011 as a swan song, but may have already played their last game.

Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore Ravens

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 13: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after defeating the New York Jets during their home opener at the New Meadowlands Stadium on September 13, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Gett

Career: 1996-present

Achievements: 12 pro bowls, Super Bowl MVP

Hall of Famer? Yes

It's weird to think that Lewis won the Super Bowl MVP a decade ago, even weirder that 2011 would be his 16th season: he plays such a violent position and hits so hard.

Still there was no indication that he was planning to retire after the 2011 season.

But sitting out an entire season could prove to be so frustrating and so maddening for Lewis to wait through that he hangs 'em up.

Don't bet on it, however.

Tony Gonzalez, TE, Atlanta Falcons

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 13: Tony Gonzalez #88 of the Atlanta Falcons prepares to face the Kansas City Chiefs at Georgia Dome on August 13, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Career: 1997-present

Achievements: 11 Pro Bowls, All-Time Leading TE

Hall of Famer? Yes

Although the Falcons had a tremendous offensive season last year, their future Hall of Fame tight end didn't have a great season.

He's still in tremendous shape and has to be desperate to win a championship (he's never even won a playoff game!) so you'd figure he still burns with desire. And the addition of Julio Jones has to be tremendously enticing to him.

But he is 35 and for the first time ever he averaged less than 10 yards per catch as well as recording the lowest yardage totals since 1998.

Casey Wiegmann, C, Kansas City Chiefs

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Casey Wiegmann #62 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Career: 1997-present

Achievements: 1 Pro Bowl

Hall of Famer? No

According to ESPN.com, there are already indications that the Chiefs won't have their durable center back in 2011. And the fact that the club drafted Rodney Hudson from Florida State probably pushes that from "possible" to "likely."

But considering how promising the Chiefs season was in 2011, the 37-year-old might make one more push for a Super Bowl before he hangs 'em up.

Certainly that could change with the lockout in limbo.

Terrell Owens, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

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CINCINNATI - SEPTEMBER 19: Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinatti Bengals in action against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Career: 1996-present

Achievements: 6 pro bowls

Hall of Famer? Yes

Unlike Randy Moss, who is also a free agent with significant baggage and consistently declining production, Owens is 37 years old.

He's certainly a marvel of physical health and durability but given his age, his problems with coaching staffs and the fact that in order to come back he'll likely be on his fourth different team in the last four years, he isn't terribly appealing to that many clubs.

Since he's been willing to play for (relatively) little money, he should find a job anywhere, but if no contender is willing to pick him up, perhaps he'll walk away.

Pat Williams, DT, Minnesota Vikings

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 05: Pat Williams #94 of the Minnesota Vikings runs from the field against the Buffalo Bills at the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on December 5, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Nick Laham/Ge

Career: 1997-present

Achievements: 3 Pro Bowls

Hall of Famer?  No

According to Tom Pelissero, the Vikings might end up bringing back their stout interior lineman back despite all the litigation, his age and the fact that he's going to command a good contract.

But a year away from the game could end up greatly hurting another season together.

At his age (and his size), 18 months or so away from the game and nearly as long away from team workouts might keep him from staying in top-notch shape. That could be a problem for a return in 2012.

Adam Vinatieri, K, Indianapolis Colts

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Adam Vinatieri #4 of the Indianapolis Colts kicks a successful 50-yard field goal in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in India

Career: 1996-present

Achievements: 2 Pro Bowls, 4 Super Bowls

Hall of Famer? Yes

We all know that kickers can play until they are practically eligible to receive Social Security benefits: Morten Andersen, Gary Anderson, George Blanda, Matt Bahr, etc.

But Vinatieri has already achieved everything a kicker possibly could. And there's probably nothing else he could do to make or break his case or Canton.

The Colts are expected to bring him back but since kickers rely on timing and rhythm as much as anything you've got to wonder how a full season away from the game would affect his ability to perform at a high level in 2012. He'll be 40 by the end of that season.