NFL Stars Who Could Retire After the 2024 Season

With the 2024 NFL season set to kick off next week, fans across the league are excited to cheer on their teams and excited to see what their new young players have in store. With that, there are several veteran star players who find themselves on the back nine of their careers.

Whether that is due to advanced age, injuries, or not playing for the money they are used to making, multiple star players that may be entering their final NFL seasons in 2024. In this article, we’ll take a look at five high-profile names across the league who could be playing their last season in the NFL for multiple reasons.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets (Entering 20th Season)

Aaron Rodgers has said on multiple occasions that he would like to play at least two more seasons with the New York Jets, but I believe 2024 could very well be his final year for various reasons.

First, Rodgers is coming off a serious injury with his torn Achilles and there is no guarantee that he will resemble the player he once was. If that's the case, I don't expect Rodgers to want to continue to play if he can't live up to his expectations of himself. Given his age and the physical toll of the game, especially if the Jets struggle to protect him, a disappointing season for himself and the team could be enough for him to walk away earlier than he planned.

Russell Wilson, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers (Entering 13th Season)

It may be shocking to see this but here is why I think 2024 could be the final season in the NFL for Russell Wilson. If Wilson's struggles from Denver continue in Pittsburgh, the Steelers will likely bench the veteran in favor of younger QB, Justin Fields.

If that's the case, teams around the league may begin to view him as more of a distraction than he is worth, especially if it is a backup role. Additionally, I am not sure if Russ would have the ability to accept becoming a backup quarterback for the remainder of his career.

Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Miami Dolphins (Entering 10th Season)

It would be an understatement to say Odell Beckham Jr.'s body has betrayed him over the years. After missing the entire 2022 season, Beckham returned to the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 where it was clear he was no longer anywhere close to the player he once was. As the big-money contracts are a thing of the past for OBJ, it seems he is playing for the love of the sport at this point in his career. However, given his history, if he does suffer another major injury or a plethora of minor ones that hamper his 2024 season, he may decide it is time to walk away from the game.

Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Dallas Cowboys (Entering 9th NFL Season)

After a year in New England, Ezekiel Elliott is returning to Dallas for what in my opinion, feels like a "last ride" for him and the Cowboys. His production has declined in recent years, and although he is still a useful third-down back, I don't think it is a role Zeke will want to endure in another situation outside of Dallas. This reunion in Dallas seems more like a final chapter in Elliot's career rather than another stepping stone for the veteran.

Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs (Entering 12th NFL Season)

If the Kansas Chiefs manage to threepeat this season, there may be no better way for Travis Kelce to go out on top, especially being apart of such a historic moment. After years of dominating on the field, retiring with three straight championships would help cement his legacy as possibly the greatest tight end ever.

Plus, with his growing off-field fame, as he starts to set up his post-playing career, especially with his Taylor Swift romance, Kelce is beginning to build a brand for himself beyond football. With that, the appeal of life might hold for him after football, combined with a fourth championship ring, could make 2024 the perfect time for him to step away.