15 Retired Athletes Who Could Probably Still Dominate Their Sport

15 Retired Athletes Who Could Probably Still Dominate Their Sport

By Jacob Kornhauser

April 1, 2015

15 Retired Athletes Who Could Probably Still Dominate Their Sport

Chicago Bulls v Sacramento Kings — When players "hang them up" they don't just instantly lose their talent. In fact, many athletes could still play at a high level long after they retire. Here are 15 athletes who could still make an impact in their respective sports if they laced them up again.

When players "hang them up" they don't just instantly lose their talent. In fact, many athletes could still play at a high level long after they retire. Here are 15 athletes who could still make an impact in their respective sports if they laced them up again.

15. Reggie Miller

Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony - Press Conference

15. Reggie Miller

Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony - Press Conference — Age: 49

Since Reggie Miller relied so heavily on his deadly jump shot, his age shouldn't be a huge problem. He could camp out on the perimeter and hit clutch shot after clutch shot. And even at nearly 50, he wouldn't be quiet about it when he hit a shot.

Age: 49

Since Reggie Miller relied so heavily on his deadly jump shot, his age shouldn't be a huge problem. He could camp out on the perimeter and hit clutch shot after clutch shot. And even at nearly 50, he wouldn't be quiet about it when he hit a shot.

14. Greg Maddux

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14. Greg Maddux

MLB Photos Archive — Age: 48

The reason Maddux could dominate perhaps more than any other currently retired pitcher is because his baseball IQ is what set him apart. He could outthink hitters. While his physical gifts may be fading, he could still use his brains to be a good pitcher.

Age: 48

The reason Maddux could dominate perhaps more than any other currently retired pitcher is because his baseball IQ is what set him apart. He could outthink hitters. While his physical gifts may be fading, he could still use his brains to be a good pitcher.

13. Mario Lemieux

2012 NHL Entry Draft - Round One

13. Mario Lemiuex

2012 NHL Entry Draft - Round One — Age: 49

Lemiuex was one of the best hockey players of all time and he's certainly still in good enough shape to get the skates back on. The game has gotten a little faster, but he's skilled enough with the stick to get by.

Age: 49

Lemiuex was one of the best hockey players of all time and he's certainly still in good enough shape to get the skates back on. The game has gotten a little faster, but he's skilled enough with the stick to get by.

12. Jerome Bettis

13th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Gala At ARIA Resort & Casino

12. Jerome Bettis

13th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Gala At ARIA Resort & Casino — Age: 43

There's a reason 'The Bus' stayed around so long: he is absolutely massive. Just hand him the ball between the guards and he will run defenders over. Even nowadays, he could likely average over three yards a carry.

Age: 43

There's a reason 'The Bus' stayed around so long: he is absolutely massive. Just hand him the ball between the guards and he will run defenders over. Even nowadays, he could likely average over three yards a carry.

11. Rickey Henderson

MLB Photos Archive

11. Rickey Henderson

MLB Photos Archive — Age: 56

MLB's all-time stolen base leader was well-aware of how good he was during his playing days. With his speed, even in his old age, he would be a valued member of a current team. He would also put people in seats, which is never a bad thing.

Age: 56

MLB's all-time stolen base leader was well-aware of how good he was during his playing days. With his speed, even in his old age, he would be a valued member of a current team. He would also put people in seats, which is never a bad thing.

10. Joe Montana

Kings Invitational - Day One

10. Joe Montana

Kings Invitational - Day One — Age: 58

Joe Montana is the greatest quarterback of all time and he could still carve up opposing defenses today. While he may not have Jerry Rice on every team he plays on, he still has the talent to excel.

Age: 58

Joe Montana is the greatest quarterback of all time and he could still carve up opposing defenses today. While he may not have Jerry Rice on every team he plays on, he still has the talent to excel.

9. Larry Bird

2014 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony

9. Larry Bird

2014 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony — Age: 58

Like Reggie Miller, Larry Bird could excel in the modern game because he's able to knock down jump shots. He's not quite athletic enough to drive the lane in today's NBA, but he could still pour in 20 points on any given night.

Age: 58

Like Reggie Miller, Larry Bird could excel in the modern game because he's able to knock down jump shots. He's not quite athletic enough to drive the lane in today's NBA, but he could still pour in 20 points on any given night.

8. Shaquille O'Neal

Reebok Classic Breakout

8. Shaquille O'Neal

Reebok Classic Breakout — Age: 43

With his massive size, Shaq will be good at basketball until he's 80 years old. While his post moves probably aren't what they used to be, he could simply outmuscle guys inside most of the time.

Age: 43

With his massive size, Shaq will be good at basketball until he's 80 years old. While his post moves probably aren't what they used to be, he could simply outmuscle guys inside most of the time.

7. Herschel Walker

Herschel Walker

7. Herschel Walker

Herschel Walker — Age: 53

A couple years ago, Herschel Walker said he was going to make a comeback to the NFL. While that didn't happen, he still has the talent to be a decent back. In fact, he ran a 40-yard dash in just over four seconds when he was over the age of 50. Now that's impressive.

Age: 53

A couple years ago, Herschel Walker said he was going to make a comeback to the NFL. While that didn't happen, he still has the talent to be a decent back. In fact, he ran a 40-yard dash in just over four seconds when he was over the age of 50. Now that's impressive.

6. Ken Griffey Jr.

Detroit Tigers v Seattle Mariners

6. Ken Griffey Jr.

Detroit Tigers v Seattle Mariners — Age: 45

If he hadn't been injured so much during his career, Ken Griffey Jr. may very well be the all-time home run leader in MLB. He had such a sweet stroke and there's a part of every baseball fan that wants Griffey to play forever with the youthful enthusiasm that endeared him to millions early in his career.

Age: 45

If he hadn't been injured so much during his career, Ken Griffey Jr. may very well be the all-time home run leader in MLB. He had such a sweet stroke and there's a part of every baseball fan that wants Griffey to play forever with the youthful enthusiasm that endeared him to millions early in his career.

5. Magic Johnson

The 2014 Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation Gala Presented By Coca-Cola - Show

5. Magic Johnson

The 2014 Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation Gala Presented By Coca-Cola - Show — Age: 55

As a 6-foot-9 point guard, Magic Johnson was the first of his kind. There hasn't really been anyone like him since, either. While it may interfere with his ownership of the Dodgers, Magic could still ball with the best of them.

Age: 55

As a 6-foot-9 point guard, Magic Johnson was the first of his kind. There hasn't really been anyone like him since, either. While it may interfere with his ownership of the Dodgers, Magic could still ball with the best of them.

4. Bo Jackson

Kansas City Royals

4. Bo Jackson

Kansas City Royals — Age: 52

Bo was one of the most athletic people on the planet in his prime and he's still extremely skilled. If he didn't have his lingering hip injury, he could still be a decent two-sport athlete.

Age: 52

Bo was one of the most athletic people on the planet in his prime and he's still extremely skilled. If he didn't have his lingering hip injury, he could still be a decent two-sport athlete.

3. Jerry Rice

GQ Super Bowl Party 2014 Sponsored By Patron Tequila, Van Heusen, And Miller Fortune - Arrivals

3. Jerry Rice

GQ Super Bowl Party 2014 Sponsored By Patron Tequila, Van Heusen, And Miller Fortune - Arrivals — Age: 52

Jerry Rice may be the greatest NFL player who has ever lived and he's definitely the most dominant receiver of all time. While his body may not be able to take the physical beating, he still has the raw talent to excel in today's NFL.

Age: 52

Jerry Rice may be the greatest NFL player who has ever lived and he's definitely the most dominant receiver of all time. While his body may not be able to take the physical beating, he still has the raw talent to excel in today's NFL.

2. Wayne Gretzky

F1 Grand Prix of Austria - Qualifying

2. Wayne Gretzky

F1 Grand Prix of Austria - Qualifying — Age: 54

Wayne Gretzky is the undisputed greatest hockey player of all time and he could still dominate the competition in the NHL. Opposing players would feel honored just to be able to share the ice with the 'Great One'.

Age: 54

Wayne Gretzky is the undisputed greatest hockey player of all time and he could still dominate the competition in the NHL. Opposing players would feel honored just to be able to share the ice with the 'Great One'.

1. Michael Jordan

Utah Jazz v Chicago Bulls

1. Michael Jordan

Utah Jazz v Chicago Bulls — Age: 52

Michael Jordan changed the game of basketball forever and you better believe he could still drop 20 points a game nowadays. If he wasn't talented enough to pull it off, he could simply trash talk and intimidate opposing players enough to be successful.

Age: 52

Michael Jordan changed the game of basketball forever and you better believe he could still drop 20 points a game nowadays. If he wasn't talented enough to pull it off, he could simply trash talk and intimidate opposing players enough to be successful.

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