Gone, But Not Forgotten: These Sports Icons Retired Too Early

As in life, all good things must eventually come to an end. In the sports world, this is no different. Athletes come and go, leaving their teams struggling to fill the void they left behind. For many athletes, it is obvious that Father Time has finally caught up with them. In this week’s issue of The Clocktower, we are going to evaluate some of the athletes who hung up their iconic jerseys all too soon and left the sports world wondering why. 

Former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly: Kuechly was drafted 9th overall out of Boston College in the 2012 NFL draft. He played all eight seasons of his pro career for the Panthers, totaling over 1,000 tackles, 18 interceptions, 67 passes defensed and seven forced fumbles, and he was widely regarded as the best linebacker in the NFL over the span of his career. Kuechly decided to hang up the cleats due to his history of repeated concussions. 

Former NBA star LaMarcus Aldridge: Aldridge had an amazing career, beginning at the University of Texas. He was drafted second overall by the Portland Trailblazers and would later be named to the NBA All-Rookie Team. In his career, Aldridge was a seven-time NBA All Star. He also made multiple appearances for the All-NBA second and third teams. The former superstar decided to call it quits in April of 2021, due to an irregular heartbeat and health concerns. 

Former Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck: Luck was drafted first overall by the Colts in the 2012 NFL draft. Luck immediately left his mark, setting tons of records while leading Indianapolis to an 11-5 record. His most impressive NFL accomplishments were leading the Colts in the second largest playoff comeback during the 2013-14 playoffs and leading them to an AFC title game the following season. Luck earned four Pro Bowl appearances and led the NFL in passing touchdowns for the 2014 season. Luck struggled with injuries throughout his seven-year career, and eventually the rehab and setbacks were enough to take his love for the game away and he would later retire before the season opener in 2019. 

Former MLB and NFL star Bo Jackson: Bo Jackson is in the consideration for the greatest athlete of all time as he was a star in two major sports leagues. During his baseball career, Jackson appeared for three different clubs and showed his true potential by reaching 1989 and winning the MVP award. Jackson had 141 home runs, 415 runs batted in, and 82 stolen bases over his tenure. In his football career, Jackson played running back and was a 1987 seventh- round pick of the Oakland Raiders. He would go on to earn a Pro Bowl nod, and rush for over 2,700 yards and 16 touchdowns. Jackson’s NFL career was unfortunately cut short due to a hip injury in 1991, and he focused on baseball until he retired in 1994.

Jacob Roney is a junior

business administration major

from Sturgeon, Mo.