Dane Beavers

Quarterback Tom Brady was retired during the 2022 NFL offseason for just 40 days before opting to return for a 23rd season that could (maybe?) be his last, tight end Rob Gronkowski recently decided to hang them up, and defensive tackle Aaron Donald inked a massive contract extension this summer to make him the game's highest-paid non-QB after also considering retirement. It all got us thinking about where these legends of the game stack up all time at their respective positions.

Schefter: Bucs 'didn't give up hope' on Tom Brady's return (2:37) Adam Schefter reacts to Tom Brady's shocking announcement that he will return for a 23rd NFL season. (2:37) 2:43 AM BST Tory BarronESPN Editor Close Tory Barron is a Bristol-based writer and editor for ESPN.com. After retiring from playing lacrosse at UConn, the DC native decided to try her hand at writing about people playing sports. Retirement? What retirement?

What led to Brady's retirement after 22 seasons in the NFL (2:00) Adam Schefter breaks down Tom Brady's decision to retire after his 22nd season. (2:00) They've always said you should never count out Touchdown Tom, so it's hard to believe the time is finally here. After 22 seasons and a historic seven Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tom Brady is set to retire, sources tell ESPN's Jeff Darlington and Adam Schefter.