NFL: 5 Stars Who Called It Quits Too Early

There are a number of reasons to retire from a professional sport.

Health concerns, injury risks, family emergencies. The list goes on.

But some players quit when they are still viable players, or even bona fide superstars. The NFL world lost a player to similar situations this week, and it is time to take a look at him and some others who shocked the world with there departures from the NFL.

Barry Sanders

Barry Sanders is one the greatest running backs of all time, but retired after only 10 seasons in the NFL.

The Detroit Lions star rushed for over 15,000 yards and made the Pro Bowl in each of his 10 seasons. He ran for 99 touchdowns and is the third leading rusher in NFL history. He retired in 1998 at the age of 30, though he probably could have played for a minimum of two more seasons.

Kurt Warner

Kurt Warner retired too early. Yes, he was 38 years old, but he still had some gas in his tank.

Warner nearly single-handedly (with some help of Boldin and Fitzgerald) won a Super Bowl, but decided to call it quits immediately afterword. Maybe Warner saw the Cardinals were on their way down, but Warner could still play.

He's one of the best quarterbacks of the past 15 years and could continue to play today. There are a number of teams looking for quarterback help who could use Warner in the pocket still.

Tiki Barber

Barber shouldn't have retired and I have proof.

Tiki's twin brother Ronde is still playing for the Buccaneers. Nearly genetically identical, both Barbers still have the talent to continue in the NFL. I realize Tiki wanted to pursue his dream of being a reporter and sports personality, but he should have kept running.

Barber enjoyed a great level of success as a member of the New York Giants and walked away before it was his time. He is currently attempting a return to the NFL, but due to his lengthy absence, I'm not positive on how successful he will be.

Brett Favre

Favre has retired three or four times by my count, though he shouldn't have retired in the first place.

Whether or not Favre returns this season, I believe he "retired" merely to demand a change of scenery. I don't know why he wanted out of Green Bay (they wouldn't want him now anyway), but Favre has some life in him today and could still be starting for many NFL franchises.

Randy Moss

Randy Moss shockingly announced his retirement on Monday, August 1.

He spent time on three different teams last season, the Patriots, Vikings and Titans. Although Moss did not have a good 2010 season by his standards, it wasn't for lack of talent. A good deal of turmoil followed Moss last season; however it is still surprising he opted to retire.

Moss is, or rather, was a seven time Pro Bowler and had 153 career touchdowns, 954 catches and 14,858 receiving yards in 13 seasons.