Bill Belichick and 26 other sports figures who refused to walk away until it was too late

robert zeglinski

Wed, 11 Dec 2024, 7:27 pm·4-min read

New England Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick is pictured prior to the NFL American football match Indianapolis Colts vs New England Patriots at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, on November 12, 2023. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images) ORIG FILE ID: AFP_343D46L.jpg

With legendary former NFL coach Bill Belichick officially jumping to North Carolina and the college ranks -- just like 17 other ex-NFL coaches -- that got me thinking.

Belichick is 72. He has eight Super Bowl rings. He genuinely has nothing else to accomplish as a football coach. He should be enjoying a well-earned retirement in solitude somewhere instead of coaching young adults and hitting the recruiting trail in his eighth decade of life. It's a little peculiar that he still wants to keep doing this if I'm being candid.

But Belichick isn't the only iconic sports figure who refused to walk away and ignored all the signs. He's not the only one who kept trying to extend whatever they had left in their coaching or playing careers, even when it was clear they were probably just bored and didn't know what to do with themselves.

Below is a list of all-time great sports figures who did not know when to hang it up. My criteria are mostly centered around when I think they should've retired (and their tenure is designated as such). For example, they could've been on a new team, looking for a second wind, and enjoyed newfound success for a little while. But then they really should've stopped dead in their tracks once it became clear that short-lived glory was temporary. They should've retired on top -- or when they were much closer to a quality, consistent performance -- when they had the chance. Others were away from their respective game or leagues for a while, but they inexplicably came back because someone managed to convince them to have one "Last Dance" of their own.

Spoiler alert: it never worked out.

Let's take a look at a few Belichick-like people in sports who should've really known when to fold 'em. (Whispers) Or who should probably start planning retirement right now.

Note: the list is not a ranking of any sort and is in no particular order.

1. Tom Brady

Sep 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Best known for: New England Patriots (2000-2019)

Overstayed their welcome with: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021-2022)

2. Michael Jordan

Best known for: Chicago Bulls (1984-1993, 1995-1998)

Overstayed their welcome with: Washington Wizards (2001-2003)

3. Brett Favre

Best known for: Green Bay Packers (1992-2007)

Overstayed their welcome with: New York Jets (2008), Minnesota Vikings (2009-2010)

4. Jerry Rice

Nov 14, 2004; St. Louis, MO, USA; Wide receiver Jerry Rice #80 tries to haul in a touchdown pass against linebacker Jerametrius Butler #23 of the Seattle Seahawks at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams lead the Seahawks 17-3.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dilip Vishwanat-USA TODAY Sports
(©) Copyright 2004 by Dilip Vishwanat — Nov 14, 2004; St. Louis, MO, USA; Wide receiver Jerry Rice #80 tries to haul in a touchdown pass against linebacker Jerametrius Butler #23 of the Seattle Seahawks at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams lead the Seahawks 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dilip Vishwanat-USA TODAY Sports (©) Copyright 2004 by Dilip Vishwanat

Best known for: San Francisco 49ers (1985-2000)

Overstayed their welcome with: Seattle Seahawks (2004)

5. Emmitt Smith

Sep 19, 2004; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back #22 Emmitt Smith runs through the New England Patriots defensive line at Sun Devil Stadium. The Patriots won the game 23-12. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Craig Melvin-USA TODAY Sports (c) 2004 by Craig Melvin

Best known for: Dallas Cowboys (1990-2002)

Overstayed their welcome with: Arizona Cardinals (2003-2004)

6. Hakeem Olajuwon

Mar 6, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; NBA Hall of Fame member Hakeem Olajuwon during the game between the Houston Rockets and the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Best known for: Houston Rockets (1984-2001)

Overstayed their welcome with: Toronto Raptors (2001-2002)

7. Shaquille O'Neal

ORG XMIT: USPW-16978 February 1, 2011; Sacramento, CA, USA; Boston Celtics center Shaquille O'Neal (36) walks back to the bench during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at ARCO Arena. The Celtics defeated the Kings 95-90. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE [Via MerlinFTP Drop]

Best known for: Los Angeles Lakers (1996-2004)

Overstayed their welcome with: Phoenix Suns (2008-2009), Cleveland Cavaliers (2009-2010), Boston Celtics (2010-2011)

8. LeBron James

Dec 6, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in action against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Best known for: Cleveland Cavaliers (2003-2010, 2014-2018)

Overstayed their welcome with: Los Angeles Lakers (2023-Present)

9. Johnny Unitas

Sep 1973; Unknown Location, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Diego Chargers quarterback JOHNNY UNITAS (19) in action during the 1973 season. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports usp ORG XMIT: HISTORICAL ARCHIVE, MINIMUM USAGE FEE APPLIES [Via MerlinFTP Drop]

Best known for: Baltimore Colts (1956-1972)

Overstayed their welcome with: San Diego Chargers (1973)

10. Willie Mays

Best known for: New York Mets (1972-1973)

Overstayed their welcome with: New York Mets (1972-1973)

11. Mickey Mantle

July 13, 1985; New York City, NY, USA; Mickey Mantle and other former Yankees acknowledge the cheers of the fans during Old Timers Day at Yankee Stadium in New York City on July 13, 1985. The day was dedicated to Joe DiMaggio, and his 50 years of association with the Yankees. Mandatory Credit: Ed Hill-USA TODAY NETWORK

Best known for: New York Yankees (1951-1968)

Overstayed their welcome with: New York Yankees (1965-1968)

12. Rickey Henderson

Aug 7, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics former outfielder Rickey Henderson before the game against the San Francisco Giants at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Best known for: Oakland Athletics (1979-1984, 1989-1993, 1994-1995, 1998)

Overstayed their welcome with: Seattle Mariners (2000), San Diego Padres (2001), Boston Red Sox (2002), Los Angeles Dodgers (2003)

13. Mike Holmgren

Jul 30, 2012; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren (left) talks with senior advisor to the president Gil Haskell during training camp at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Best known for: Green Bay Packers (1992-1998)

Overstayed their welcome with: Cleveland Browns (2010-2012)

14. Doc Rivers

Dec 10, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts in the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Best known for: Boston Celtics (2004-2013)

Overstayed their welcome with: Milwaukee Bucks (2024-Present)

15. George Karl

Feb 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Sacramento Kings head coach George Karl reacts in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: USATSI-232844 ORIG FILE ID: 20160208_gma_ar7_127.jpg

Best known for: Seattle SuperSonics (1992-1998)

Overstayed their welcome with: Sacramento Kings (2015-2016)

16. Ken Griffey Jr.

Oct 6, 2008; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. (17) tosses his helmet after striking out in the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during game four of the ALDS at US Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Tom Fluegge-US PRESSWIRE ORIG FILE ID: 20081006_fjh_sf4_356.jpg

Best known for: Seattle Mariners (1989-1999)

Overstayed their welcome with: Chicago White Sox (2008), Seattle Mariners (2009-2010)

17. Cristiano Ronaldo

HAMBURG, GERMANY - JULY 05: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks dejected following the team's defeat in the penalty shoot out during the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between Portugal and France at Volksparkstadion on July 05, 2024 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Best known for: Manchester United (2003-2009)

Overstayed their welcome with: Portugal Men's National Team (2018-Present)

18. Jon Gruden

Best known for: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-2008)

Overstayed their welcome with: Las Vegas Raiders (2018-2021)

19. Jaromir Jagr

Dec 16, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames right wing Jaromir Jagr (68) skates on the ice during warm ups prior to the game against the Nashville Predators at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Best known for: Pittsburgh Penguins (1990-2001)

Overstayed their welcome with: Calgary Flames (2017-2018)

20. Aaron Rodgers

Nov 17, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks off the field after losing to the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Best known for: Green Bay Packers (2005-2022)

Overstayed their welcome with: New York Jets (2023-Present)

21. Mike Ditka

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 10: Former Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka walks the sidelines during the game between the Chicago Bears and the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field on September 10, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Kena Krutsinger/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 700070598 ORIG FILE ID: 845369856

Best known for: Chicago Bears (1982-1992)

Overstayed their welcome with: New Orleans Saints (1997-1999)

22. Mike Shanahan

Oct 17, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Former Denver Broncos head coach and Ring of Fame induction of Mike Shanahan during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Best known for: Denver Broncos (1995-2008)

Overstayed their welcome with: Washington Commanders (2010-2013)

23. Doug Collins

Oct 13, 2024; Uncasville, Conn, USA; Class of 2024 inductee Doug Collins speaks during the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Symphony Hall Springfield. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Best known for: Chicago Bulls (1986-1989)

Overstayed their welcome with: Philadelphia 76ers (2010-2013)

24. Brett Hull

Jan 25, 2020; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Former St. Louis Blues player Brett Hull looks on as Green Day performs prior to the 2020 NHL All Star Game at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Best known for: St. Louis Blues (1987-1998)

Overstayed their welcome with: Phoenix Coyotes (2005-2006)

25. Pat Riley

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: President Pat Riley of the Miami Heat addresses the media during the introductory press conference for Jimmy Butler at American Airlines Arena on September 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775411440 ORIG FILE ID: 1177490809

Best known for: Los Angeles Lakers (1981-1990)

Overstayed their welcome with: Miami Heat (2020-Present)

26. Chuck Daly

Best known for: Detroit Pistons (1983-1992)

Overstayed their welcome with: Orlando Magic (1997-1999)

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Bill Belichick and 26 other sports figures who refused to walk away until it was too late