NFL retirements 2025 are ending an era, as some of the league’s most respected veterans hang up their cleats for good. This year, legendary players like Derek Carr, Tyron Smith, and Brandon Graham officially walked away from the game, leaving behind powerful legacies and shaping the Hall of Fame conversation for years. In this article, we’ll reflect on the players who defined a generation and how their departures will impact the future of the NFL.
Derek Carr (2014-2025)
After 11 seasons in the NFL, Carr will be one of the most underrated quarterbacks in recent years. Drafted in 2014 by the Oakland Raiders, he quickly became the face of the franchise there, with many ups and downs, including coaching changes, relocation, and multiple roster rebuilds. To many people’s surprise, Carr holds nearly every major passing record in Raiders history, including the all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. Carr earned four Pro Bowl appearances while leading the Raiders to their first playoff appearance in 14 years back in 2016. Carr’s grit and toughness were a central part of his identity, making him one of the most respected quarterbacks in the league.
Carr chose to step away from the game on his terms after battling career-ending injuries, but he left his fans with one final message: “I gave everything I had to the game, to my teammates, and the fans,” Carr said in his farewell. Did he do enough to be inducted into the Hall of Fame? No, but his legacy will remain for a long time.
Tyron Smith (2011-2025)
Tyron Smith, drafted 9th overall in 2011 by the Dallas Cowboys, was considered one of his era’s most dominant offensive tackles. Smith was one of the key reasons why the Cowboys have had one of the most dominant offensive lines in the game, playing alongside future Hall of Famer Zach Martin. Smith was an 8-time pro bowler, 2-time first team all pro, and a member of the NFL 2010’s All Decade Team.
Although Smith had a lot of success in the NFL, he was defined by the physical demands of his job, with many injuries to his back, neck, and multiple knee issues limiting his career availability. Smith left Cowboy Nation to join the Jets after the 2023 NFL season, but decided it was time to retire after just one year with the team. Sadly, due to the Cowboys’ poor performance in the postseason, Smith was never able to win a Super Bowl, but his legacy will forever be remembered in Cowboys fans’ hearts and may even end up in the Hall of Fame.
Patrick Peterson ( 2011-2025)
After 13 elite seasons in the NFL, Patrick Peterson has officially stepped away from the game he has put his heart and soul on the line for, one of the most impressive cornerbacks we have seen play the position in the modern era. Peterson was drafted 5th overall by the Arizona Cardinals, earning eight Pro Bowls and being named first team all-pro 3 times. Peterson spent a brief amount of time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings in the back half of his career, but chose to retire with the Cardinals, where his career began. Peterson’s retirement marks one of the last elite corners to step away from his generation’s game and deserves a Hall of Fame induction.
Brandon Graham (2010-2025)
After 15 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Brandon Graham left on his terms, retiring in the best fashion any NFL player can ask for, after winning a Super Bowl. Graham was a first-round pick in 2010. After overcoming injuries early in his career, he quickly became one of the most respected defensive players in the Eagles’ franchise history. Graham racked up over 70 sacks, the most important one coming in Super Bowl LII against Tom Brady and the Patriots; Graham had a timely strip sack, leading the Eagles to their first ever Lombardi Trophy.
Brandon Graham embraced Philly’s fan base, which sometimes can be a harsh critique, and never turned his back on them. Graham spent his entire career with one franchise, something that is so rare, yet impressive in today’s day and age. His legacy will be remembered when he receives an induction into the Hall of Fame, which most people can agree is a no-brainer. Congratulations, Brandon Graham, on your retirement and an extremely successful NFL career.
