Barry Sanders retired in the middle of his prime, a rare decision by a superstar athlete where they more frequently continue playing too long.

“I think I made the right decision," said Sanders. "It’s really hard for me to even explain it. But the way that’ll make sense for me to explain it to people who watched me play is … I was really very much an introspective guy … and for me, coming into the NFL with so much passion and drive for the game … and really enjoying those 10 years, and then, when that drive and determination and fire started to fade a little bit, and when it faded enough, I just knew it was time to go … After 10 years, the time was right, there was nothing else to stay for, and we were kind of rebuilding, and it was time to move on.”