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15 Aging NFL Veterans Who Will Crumble In 2015
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports15 Aging NFL Veterans Who Will Crumble In 2015
You hear that? It’s the sound of femur grinding on tibia in the aging knees of NFL veterans. Pro football is a grind and the effects are all-encompassing, extending beyond the knees even if the shots inflicted are above-the-belt. Here are 15 aging NFL veterans who should be feeling this sentiment more than most and are set to crumble in 2015.
15. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports15. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
I am one of the few people who once loathed “America’s Team,” but now genuinely like Tony Romo as a QB. However the reality is this: Romo’s back can’t bend any more under the pressure of NFL linemen. This Lonestar state gunslinger begins a true regression in 2015.
14. LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills
Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY SportsDid you get the same three backs I found? Adrian Peterson, Arian Foster and Doug Martin? Where was McCoy? 21st. Trent Richardson was also up there at ninth, Reggie Bush (cut by the Lions) at 14th and the fantastic Chris Johnson at 12th. What I’m saying is that there is no greater turnover per position than NFL running back. What I’m adding is that McCoy already has nearly 1,500 carries, has already showed signs of decline and is now starting to crumble.
14. LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills
Remember, running backs age faster. Name the highest-scoring fantasy running backs from the 2012 season. I’ll wait.
Did you get the same three backs I found? Adrian Peterson, Arian Foster and Doug Martin? Where was McCoy? 21st. Trent Richardson was also up there at ninth, Reggie Bush (cut by the Lions) at 14th and the fantastic Chris Johnson at 12th. What I’m saying is that there is no greater turnover per position than NFL running back. What I’m adding is that McCoy already has nearly 1,500 carries, has already showed signs of decline and is now starting to crumble.
13. Anquan Boldin, San Francisco 49ers
Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports13. Anquan Boldin, San Francisco 49ers
Many thought Anquan Boldin was already washed-up but then Boldin washed up in Super Bowl XLVII with the Baltimore Ravens. Although putting up two straight years of 80+ catches, I’m convinced year 13 will be an unlucky one for Boldin.
12. Charles Woodson, Oakland Raiders
Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports12. Charles Woodson, Oakland Raiders
Remember when Charles Woodson won the Heisman… in the 90s?!?
11. Andre Johnson, Indianapolis Colts
Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports11. Andre Johnson, Indianapolis Colts
Andre Johnson could be ripe for rejuvenation in uniting with Andrew Luck, but the demands of pro football will eventually catch up with Johnson. Hopefully the Colts will find some success for Johnson to enjoy during this wide receiver's imminent decline.
10. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports10. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
Peyton Manning is and will remain a legend. What’s even more remarkable, is at the end of Manning’s run, he’ll be considered a hall-of-famer by both the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts. Unfortunately, the NFL on many levels means “Not For Long” even for quarterbacks. Manning is 39 and unless he pulls a Roger-Clemens-like “12 games on, four games off” Manning will fall apart even more catastrophically and even earlier than this first-balloter did in 2014.
9. David Harris, New York Jets
Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports9. David Harris, New York Jets
David Harris is 31 years old and just signed a contract with $15 million guaranteed. This would’ve been a typical New York Jets move, but in the Todd Bowles era? I am sensing some concern.
8. John Abraham, Arizona Cardinals
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports8. John Abraham, Arizona Cardinals
John Abraham is hefty at 263 pounds on a 6-foot-4 build, but this Arizona Cardinals’ linebacker has also been in the league since 2000. Abraham was last relegated to injured reserve and if a comeback is made it could be the quickest route to crumbling.
7. Steve Smith Sr., Baltimore Ravens
Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports7. Steve Smith Sr., Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens’ wideout is a beast in a mortal’s body but this continuing achievement is unsustainable. Also, Steve Smith Sr. goes by “Steve Smith Sr.,” so come on! I expect Smith to drop off in 2015, but if I’m wrong, feel free to email me with your beautifully snarky hindsight.
6. Erik Pears, San Francisco 49ers
Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports6. Erik Pears, San Francisco 49ers
Erik Pears is just 32 years old, but he’s been carrying a lot of weight on the frame for a long time. Also, I just couldn’t exclude a lineman with the last name ‘Pears’ and the middle name ‘Anders’ from this list.
5. Frank Gore, Indianapolis Colts
Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports5. Frank Gore, Indianapolis Colts
I love me some Frank Gore, but man, this seemingly indestructible running back has to crumble eventually. One of just three active runners with 10,000+ rushing yards, Gore has to be in career twilight and I’m thinking 2015 is the season Gore finally wears down like a normal human being.
4. Terence Newman, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports4. Terence Newman, Minnesota Vikings
Terence Newman once ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash, but that was likely decades ago. Newman is 36 now and will be 37 when the NFL regular season kicks off.
3. Ryan Mathews, Philadelphia Eagles
Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports3. Ryan Mathews, Philadelphia Eagles
Wait, hasn’t Ryan Mathews already crumbled? Well, as long as Mathews remains in this league and argued over fantasy drafts, I’m adding this aging Eagles running back to the crumbling countdown.
2. Julius Peppers, Green Bay Packers
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports2. Julius Peppers, Green Bay Packers
Julius Peppers has played for three NFL teams and rocked them all, but now the 35-year-old defensive end will be paying the piper.
1. James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers
Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports1. James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers
Delivering punishment is punishing on the body. Also, how is it even possible to be an NFL linebacker at age 36? Hats off to James Harrison for knocking hats off for so long, but expect an aggressive decline from this potent Pittsburgh legend.
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