When well-known athletes and coaches leave their sport, many people are aware of their choice ahead of time. However, such statements can occasionally startle fans, the media, and even colleagues and contemporaries. Let’s take a look at some of the most surprising ends for players and coaches, even if it wasn’t necessarily *the* end.
It’s hardly unexpected that Belichick and the Patriots have amicably decided to separate ways after the 2023 season. The club was coming off a 4-13 season, its lowest in Belichick’s 24 years as head coach, and the momentum for a breakup had been building for years. What was perhaps more startling was that Belichick was passed over for the next head coach hiring cycle, owing in part to his age and apparent need for total personnel control. What Belichick does next is unknown, although at this time, it is unlikely that he will coach again in the NFL.
The 26-year-old Swedish star was at a press conference for a tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, answering a seemingly innocuous question, when he dropped a bombshell: He was retiring from competitive tennis. Borg cited a lack of desire to continue with a grueling playing schedule, and left the door open only for exhibition play. He did attempt a comeback in the early 1990s, but that was short-lived.
When All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis abruptly retired after the 2014 season due in part to a nagging toe injury, it seemed the team had his ready-made replacement already in-house. Borland, a 2014 third-round pick from Wisconsin, shined as a rookie, including a game where he filled in for an injured Willis and recorded 18 tackles. However, after just one season, he retired, citing concerns about head trauma and its effect later in life.
The late Browns great retired after the 1965 season, when he was only 30 years old and likely had many years of outstanding football ahead of him. He retired as the NFL’s all-time top rusher. Brown had already begun his acting career, but when owner Art Modell threatened him with fines if he skipped training camp, he opted to resign. It’s reasonable to speculate how impressive his stats would have been had he played for a few more years.
