We know at some point they're going to retire and the last thing players need is for their careers to end on a sour note.
Whether it's desperation like Terrell Owens, seeking validation like Randy Moss or straight ego like Brett Favre, retiring sooner than later prevents sad endings such as these players experienced (although T.O. and Moss aren't technically retired).
And with the running back position being even more difficult to sustain, it's better to hang it up before any worse injuries occur.
Although it was back in the beginning of January, Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson said he was thinking about retiring. In an article by Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, Tomlinson said he had thoughts of it:
“I am contemplating retirement,” the Jets running back told “The Scott and BR Show” on XX 1090-AM radio in San Diego on Friday. “That’s what I told my coaches and told my agent. That’s exactly what it is. This is the first time in my playing career that I’ve actually honestly thought . . . this may be it for me. That’s kind of where I am right now.
Well, it's the correct decision should Tomlinson go through with it. He'll be 33 years old before 2012 kicks off and he's coming off a season where he compiled just 729 total yards and scored three touchdowns.
Not since 2008 has Tomlinson gained over 1,000 rushing yards, and the Jets' offense isn't built around his ability to make plays on screens and check downs.
Now include all the late season and offseason drama for Gang Green, and unless LaDainian wants to be part of that, he'll retire. Plus, it's not like he's getting any younger to produce, especially after averaging just 3.7 yards per carry.
Thomas Jones
Before the 2012 NFL season kicks off, Thomas Jones will be 34 years old and it would be surprising to see the Kansas City Chiefs re-sign him this offseason.
For starters, Jones only gained 478 rushing yards this past season, and with Jackie Battle paired with a healthy Jamaal Charles in the backfield, there's no room for Jones to have a shot at any legit playing time.
Even if he doesn't retire, it's a long shot that anyone will consider signing him. Not only is age a factor, but also Jones hasn't compiled over 1,000 rushing yards since 2009 with the Jets.
Earlier in his career, much like Tomlinson, Jones was a solid receiving threat, but that has since died off. The last year in which Jones caught more than 15 passes was 2008 and he's only managed a total of 29 in the past three years.
So, limiting him as a third-down back is even a stretch at this point.
Kevin Faulk
The man is going to be 36 years old this summer and has been with the New England Patriots since 1999. One of the few players still left from all three of the Pats' Super Bowl seasons, there's no reason why Kevin Faulk should play another season.
He has three Super Bowl rings, has been part of five AFC Championship teams and was arguably the best utility back of his era.
However, New England already has other much younger running backs in Danny Woodhead, BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Stevan Ridley, so retaining Faulk doesn't add anything but another body to the roster.
Also, in an article by Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe, Faulk has recently considered hanging up the cleats:
“Going through that evening after the game and worrying about the loss and being like, wow, guys have another opportunity to come back next year and do it again. Mine is very slim, and it’s not by my choice this time.’’
Let's face it, even if Faulk tries to play another season, what team other than New England would even consider a soon-to-be 36-year-old with a recent injury history?
None.
And Faulk has only managed to remain in New England because of how much he's done for the organization. If anything, Faulk should just retire and see if the Pats will accompany him as an assistant coach.
John Rozum on Twitter.
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