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Who were some promising corners that had to retire early?
Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 11:56 am
by Ness
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?
Re: Who were some promising corners that had to retire early
Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 12:00 pm
by JWL
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.
Re: Who were some promising corners that had to retire early
Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 12:26 pm
by Citizen
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.
Re: Who were some promising corners that had to retire early
Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 12:35 pm
by BD Sullivan
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.
Re: Who were some promising corners that had to retire early
Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 3:35 pm
by MIKEBENNIDICT
Gale Sayers retired early.
Re: Who were some promising corners that had to retire early
Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 3:41 pm
by JWL
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.
Re: Who were some promising corners that had to retire early
Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 4:04 pm
by MIKEBENNIDICT
Sorry.
Must have misread it.
Re: Who were some promising corners that had to retire early
Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 4:58 pm
by 7DnBrnc53
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.
Re: Who were some promising corners that had to retire early
Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 5:43 pm
by LJP
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.
Re: Who were some promising corners that had to retire early
Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 6:06 pm
by bachslunch
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