As the curtain falls on 2023, the sports world bids adieu to a tapestry of legends and underdogs across all sports. We highlighted the legacy names who decided to hang it up in 2023. Many on this list are cemented in record books and in the hearts of their die-hard fanbases. Let’s pour out a drink and tip our hat to the OGs who said goodbye.
Though the championship trophy remained elusive for his 19-year career, the 39-year-old Melo kept scoring, etching his name in history with 28,289 career points, 10 All-Star appearances, an Olympic gold medal and ninth all-time in points. He played for the Nuggets, Knicks, Blazers, Thunder, Lakers and Rockets.
Aldridge’s game matured over his 16-year career like aged wine, especially his trademark post moves – the silky fadeaway, the unstoppable spin, the glass-kissing hook – while leading the Blazers to the playoffs nine times in ten seasons, six All-Star appearances and two All-NBA selections. He also had stints with the Nets and Spurs.
Haslem, 43, went from the Heat’s third-best player in their 2006 championship run to the enforcer for the Heatles and finally as a suited-up assistant coach during the Heat’s 2020 and 2023 Finals runs. He is one of only 31 players to play in the NBA after the age of 40 and will be remembered as an all-time Heat player who brought grizzled intensity and character accountability for over two decades for Miami. He finishes averages of 7.5 PPG and 6.6 RPG.
Numbers don’t lie and Anderson’s speaks volumes: 709 games played, 319 wins, a save percentage that shimmered like championship ice – while carrying the Senators on his back through playoff battles, even becoming the oldest goalie to ever win a playoff game at 40. The goaltender steps down after 20 seasons at the age 0f 42. He played for the Senators, Blackhawks, Panthers, Avalanche, Sabres and Capitals.
Drafted by the Sharks in 2007, he quickly became a fixture on their blue line, helping them reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2016. Throughout his career, the 36-year-old wore the jerseys of the Sharks, Flyers, and Rangers and even returned to Philly for a victory lap this year.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, Borowiecki, 34, was a force to be reckoned with. He led the league in hits per game twice, leaving opponents feeling like they’d skated through a demolition derby. He wasn’t afraid to drop the gloves either, racking up 68 fights throughout his career.
Super Bowl champ? Check. Decade-defining All-Pro? Check. A highlight reel that would shame a supernova. Check. Brown, 35, recorded seven 1,000-yard receiving seasons over his 12-year career with the Steelers, Patriots and Bucs. His off-field troubles have taken some of the sparkle off those gaudy numbers, though.
Pouncey, 34, the Miami Dolphins’ resident wall of a center, clocked in for all 114 games of his nine-year career like a champion clock-puncher, finishing with four Pro Bowls selections. He also played with the Chargers.
Drafted by the Cowboys in 2015, dude practically broke the combine with a 12-foot, 3-inch standing long jump that’s still the unofficial world record (because no one else wants to jump that far?). Jones, 31, leaves a solid legacy over his seven-year career, including a fat $82 million contract with the Dolphins (highest-paid cornerback at the time, no biggie), a Second-team All-Pro nod and a Pro Bowl appearance. He also played for the Dolphins.
Sure, he wasn’t drafted first overall, but snagged in the second round by the Chiefs in 2011. But that didn’t stop Hudson from racking up accolades like a grocery list at Costco. Second-team All-Pro in 2019? Check. Three Pro Bowl appearances in 2016, 2017, and 2019? Check and check. The center hangs them up at 34 after 12 years, where he played for the Chiefs, Raiders and Cardinals.
For nine seasons, Hightower, 33, was a wall in the middle of the New England Patriots defense, even though he was drafted with the 25th pick in 2012. The linebacker was a key cog in the Patriots’ machine, racking up three Super Bowl rings and a spot on the Patriots’ prestigious All-2010s and Dynasty Teams.
Drafted first overall in 2010, McCourty, 36, missed a measly five games in his entire 13-year career with the Pats, a testament to his dedication and ironclad physique. The defensive back collected five combined tackles and helped the Patriots defeat the Seattle Seahawks, 28–24, in Super Bowl XLIX.
Drafted first overall by the Houston Texans, this wasn’t just some rookie but a force of nature. Watt quickly carved his name as one of the greatest defensive linemen ever. In his first five seasons alone, he snatched up the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award three times. His 12-year career saw 5 Pro Bowls, Defensive Rookie of the Year, Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, and he even caught a touchdown. He retires at 34, having played for the Texans and Cardinals.
Imagine a legendary career that stretches more than two decades, seven Super Bowl rings and enough avocado ice cream to fill a Baskin-Robbins warehouse. That’s Tom Brady, the ageless wonder who hung up his cleats for good at 45. For 23 years, Brady was synonymous with the New England Patriots, earning six Super Bowl championships. He added a seventh ring while with the Bucs and finished with two MVPs, 89,214 career passing yards and a ticket to the Hall of Fame.
Drafted by the Brewers in 2004, Cain’s speed and defensive instincts quickly turned heads. His diving catch in the 2015 World Series robbed Pedro Alvarez of a homer, saving the Royals’ ass. And who can forget his walk-off single in Game 5, sending Kansas City to the promised land? He earned the ALCS MVP trophy, cementing his place in Royals lore. At 37, he ends his 13-year career with 87 HRs, 190 SBs and a .283 batting average. He played for the Royals and Brewers. He finished in the top 10 in AL MVP voting twice.
Imagine a right-handed pitcher with a blazing fastball, a wicked slider that dipped like a UFO and a signature entrance that felt like a mosh pit. That, my friends, was Sergio Romo, a 15-year reliever drafted in the 28th round (practically the last pick!). He became a key cog in the Giants’ three World Series victories (2010, 2012, 2014), famously fanning Miguel Cabrera to clinch the 2012 title. At 40, he steps away with 137 career saves, having played for the Giants, Twins, Rays, A’s, Dodgers, Mariners, Marlins and Blue Jays.
Day, 41, became a beloved Oriole, while his submarine antics and infectious humor endeared him to fans. He earned an All-Star nod in 2015, proving that unorthodox can be downright dominant. The “Submarine Specialist” was a key cog in many of the O’s surprising playoff runs. He played 15 seasons, spending time with the Orioles, Braves, Rangers, Yankees, Mets and Angels.
Kipnis wasn’t your five-star prospect, but he clawed his way up the minor leagues with a relentless drive. In 2011, he burst onto the Cleveland scene, instantly becoming a fan favorite for his gritty play and infectious enthusiasm. He even earned the nickname “Dirtbag” for his fearless dives and slides, always emerging with a devilish grin and a fist pump. Kipnis, 36, played nine of his 10 seasons with Cleveland, and had one year with the Cubs. He had not played in the majors since 2020 and finished his career with 126 HRs and 136 SBs.
After stints with the Yankees, Marlins and Rays, Phelps found his groove with the Seattle Mariners in 2016. He thrived in the Pacific Northwest, showcasing his pinpoint control and sneaky slider. The 37-year-old middle reliever spent 10 years in the bigs, playing for the Yankees, Marlins, Blue Jays, Phillies, Cubs, Mariners and Brewers.
The apex of Fowler’s MLB career came in 2016 when sporting the iconic blue pinstripes of the Chicago Cubs he helped break a 108-year curse and bring the World Series trophy back to Wrigley Field. The 37-year-old outfielder played 14 seasons, spending time with the Rockies, Cubs, Cardinals, Angels and Astros. He finished with one All-Star appearance, 127 HRs and 149 SBs. He last played in the majors in 2021.
Passed over in the draft, Warren defied the odds, honing his craft in the independent leagues before catching the eye of the Yankees. He debuted in 2009, his unorthodox delivery and pinpoint control keeping batters off-balance before bouncing around from New York to Chicago then Seattle and San Diego. The 36-year-old middle reliever played eight seasons with a 30-24 record and career ERA of 3.53.
The Big Sexy, now 50, played the last game of his 21-year career in 2018, but just finally officially retired from the game in September. Colon won the AL Cy Young Award in 2005, but was also received a 50-game ban for PED use in 2012. He played for 10 teams, including the Angels, Guardians, Expos, Mets, A’s, White Sox, Twins, Braves, Red Sox, Rangers and Yankees. He won 247 games but still might be most remembered for this one particular at-bat.
Two World Cup titles, two Golden Boots, and countless clutch moments, like her iconic corner kick goal in 2019, cemented Rapinoe’s place in soccer history. But her impact wasn’t just on the pitch. She became a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, equal pay, and social justice, her voice was as powerful as her shot.
