Who were some promising corners that had to retire early?

Ness · Post by **Ness** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 11:56 am

I'm not that versed in NFL history. All I can think of is 49ers cornerback Eric Wright, who was a quality corner from his rookie season in 1981 up until the end of 1985 when he sustained a groin injury and was never really the same even though he played a few more years off and on. Another message board I frequent was talking about promising players that had to retire too soon because of injuries, but I couldn't think of any good candidates for cornerback. Any ideas?

JWL · Post by **JWL** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 12:00 pm

Bob James is one. He played 83 games Buffalo from 1969-74. He received all pro recognition three times. He had to retire early. I am not sure why. One former Jet, in an oral history book, said James was the best he faced.

Citizen · Post by **Citizen** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 12:26 pm

Willie Buchanon had a decent enough career, but it might have been much greater had he not lost two seasons to broken legs early on.

BD Sullivan · Post by **BD Sullivan** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 12:35 pm

Another Packers CB, Tim Lewis, had to retire in 1986 (in just his fourth season) after suffering a neck injury.

In the middle of his eighth season in 1961, Tom Brookshier had to retire after severely breaking his leg. Up to that point, he was still a consistent player.

MIKEBENNIDICT · Post by **MIKEBENNIDICT** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 3:35 pm

Gale Sayers retired early.

JWL · Post by **JWL** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 3:41 pm

MIKEBENNIDICT wrote:Gale Sayers retired early.

Yes, but not a cornerback. I guess it would be interesting for us to kill some time and create an All-Had to Retire Early team. Certainly, Sayers would be the starting halfback.

MIKEBENNIDICT · Post by **MIKEBENNIDICT** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 4:04 pm

Sorry.

Must have misread it.

7DnBrnc53 · Post by **7DnBrnc53** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 4:58 pm

Derrick Burroughs is another candidate:

https://tspnnews.wordpress.com/2011/08/ ... m-history/

He was a CB with Buffalo from 1985-89 before having to retire due to a neck injury.

LJP · Post by **LJP** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 5:43 pm

Leslie Frazier was an undrafted free agent in 1981 from Alcorn State - http://www.nfl.com/player/lesliefrazier/2514398/profile

Became a starter in 82 and recorded 20 interceptions in 65 games (49 starts).

Blew his knee out in Super Bowl XX on a pointless play when WR Keith Ortego called for a fair catch but then lateralled to Frazier.

Missed the 86 season rehabbing the knee and tried to make a comeback in 87 with the Eagles and Buddy Ryan, but had to retire.

Knee reconstructions have obviously advanced a lot since then.

bachslunch · Post by **bachslunch** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 6:06 pm

Sure, I'll start:

QB Bert Jones
RB: Gale Sayers, Earl Campbell
WR: Del Shofner, Sterling Sharpe
TE: Aaron Hernandez
C Dwight Stephenson
G Tommy Lyons, Larry Bowie
OT Tony Boselli, Korey Stringer

DT: Al Blozis, Keith Millard
DE: Earl Faison, Tombstone Jackson
LB Patrick Willis, Al Wilson, Dick Butkus
CB: Bob James, Eric Wright
S Kenny Easley, Sean Taylor

K Martin Gramatica
P Tom Gilburg
KR Travis Williams

Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Who were some promising corners that had to retire early?

Who were some promising corners that had to retire early?

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