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Most football fans are well aware of the demands the sport places on the human body. While NFL players are almost superhuman physical specimens, eventually, everyone's body wears down.
However, there are always outliers, and some veterans continue to make notable contributions to their teams. At the other end of the spectrum are players who are past their prime and simply trying to hold on for one more year.
In this article, we'll touch on five popular NFL players that could be playing their final season in 2023. These players have all had wildly successful pro football careers but could be nearing the end of their time in this physical sport. Is it time to for these ballers to hang it up?
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Leonard Fournette, Age 28, Free Agent
Is it possible that we never see Leonard Fournette play in the NFL again? The former Tampa Bay running back has yet to find a team since being released by the Bucs after the 2022 season. It doesn't feel like that long ago that "Playoff Lenny" was helping Tom Brady and the Bucs to a Super Bowl title, though Brady's retirement kickstarted a rebuilding phase for Tampa Bay that led to Fournette's release.
So is Leonard Fournette done in the NFL? If so, wow.
— D (@DSmooth_717) September 30, 2023
Fournette's services would seem to be in demand for a team that's in "win now mode" and/or in need of depth at the running back position. While the former LSU superstar may still join a team down the stretch, his NFL future currently appears to be in doubt.
We've seen teams take fliers on veteran running backs in the past, and while Lenny didn't have his best season in 2022, he didn't appear to be completely out of gas. However, the fact that he's still unsigned at this point in the year could signal an end to his pro career at the ripe-old age of 28.
Marcedes Lewis, Age 39, Chicago Bears
After signing a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears, Lewis is currently in his 18th NFL season. It is the longest career for a tight end in NFL history.
Watching Marcedes Lewis block is so much fun, and it's a shame he's wasting it in this Bears offense this season pic.twitter.com/1lB8BgCPbV
— Lorin Cox (@CoxSports1) September 26, 2023
At 39 years old, Lewis is one of the league's oldest active players. Unfortunately, he is spending his twilight years toiling away with a struggling Chicago Bears squad.
The veteran remains a surprisingly effective blocker and is a player that organizations view as both a positive locker room influence and mentor for younger players. So while Lewis' impressive career maybe should be over after 2023, it's also possible that he could continue finding teams willing to give him a roster spot well into his 40s.
Jimmy Graham, Age 36, New Orleans Saints
Another well-traveled tight end, Graham actually spent the 2022 season away from football. While it looked like his illustrious career might finally be over, Graham elected to return to the team where it all started in 2023, signing a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints.
The 36-year-old suffered a scary incident during the preseason, as he was arrested in California on suspicion of being under the influence of narcotics, though the charges were eventually dropped as Saints team doctors revealed he had suffered a seizure.
Despite those health issues, Graham has suited up for New Orleans in the regular season to a limited extent. He reeled in a TD catch on his lone 2023 target. It would make sense that Graham's return to the Saints signals a full-circle end to his impressive career.
What year is it?!
Jimmy Graham catches the touchdown and does a Lambeau leap 🙌
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/TBOhmWriVZ
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 24, 2023
Randall Cobb, Age 33, New York Jets
After producing nearly 7,700 total yards and over 50 TDs in his sterling 13-year career, Cobb has done little to deserve an NFL roster spot in recent years. We can attribute the fact that he's stuck around the league to his close relationship with superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Cobb spent numerous years catching passes from Rodgers in Green Bay and was signed by the star QB's new squad, the New York Jets, ahead of the 2023 campaign.
Jets to sign WR Randall Cobb on a 1-year deal. (via @mikegarafolo) pic.twitter.com/VHEU06ofah
— NFL (@NFL) May 3, 2023
With Rodgers injured in the season opener and presumably out for the year, Cobb has had minimal impact with an abysmal Jets offense. The 33-year-old has been targeted just eight times in 2023 and hauled in only three catches for 20 yards. His future in the NFL will likely be tied to Rodgers' decision to return to action in 2024. This leads us to...
Aaron Rodgers, Age 39, New York Jets
No matter your feeling about Aaron Rodgers the person, what happened to Aaron Rodgers the football player in the season opener is simply a bummer. After a controversial offseason that led to the long-time Packers quarterback being traded to the New York Jets, the four-time NFL MVP suffered a brutal Achilles tear just minutes into his first game with the Jets.
What is a season-ending injury for most could theoretically be a career-ender for the 39-year-old future Hall of Famer. Despite the severity of the Achilles tear and his relatively advanced age, all reports indicate that Rodgers appears intent on returning to football as soon as possible...perhaps even this season. While the comeback story is a juicy one, there's also the possibility that Rodgers' body simply won't allow him to play again.
Aaron Rodgers had his surgery just two and a half weeks ago and is already walking like this. It's crazy that he might actually be back this season. pic.twitter.com/vrfYLGfmQc
— THE TRENDING💙 (@TheTrending7) October 4, 2023
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