Barry Sanders

Many people believe Barry Sanders was the most talented running back ever to lace up cleats. But on the eve of training camp in 1999, Sanders shocked fans by faxing his retirement to his hometown newspaper, the Wichita Eagle. The Detroit Lions star stepped away at the peak of his career, just 1,457 yards shy of surpassing Walter Payton's all-time rushing record — and with four years remaining on a six-year, $36 million contract. After staying mum for years, Sanders eventually explained that his decision was spurred by frustration with the Lions' losing record.

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