Ranking the 15 Best Sports Stars Who Retired in 2024

Joe Pavelski is a classic underdog story. A seventh-round pick in 2003, he developed into a legend for the San Jose Sharks. Pavelski ranks 72nd in NHL history with 1,068 points. Plus, he leads all American-born players with 74 postseason goals and won an Olympic silver medal in 2010.

In a different universe, we’re celebrating Derrick Rose as one of the greatest players in NBA history. He certainly had that upside early on with the Chicago Bulls; Rose won Rookie of the Year in 2008-09 and league MVP just two years later. Injuries derailed his career and turned Rose into a journeyman, yet he still retired with 17.4 points per game.

Even if Matt Ryan doesn’t receive a Hall of Fame call—and I lean toward he should—he put together an outstanding 15-year career. As of 2024, the ranks seventh all-time in passing yards (62,792) and ninth in touchdowns (372). Ryan, the 2008 Rookie of the Year and 2016 MVP, is the most accomplished quarterback in Atlanta Falcons history.

Between his international and NBA accolades, Marc Gasol is a legend. The center excelled in Europe prior to spending 13 seasons in the United States, where Gasol rose to prominence with the Memphis Grizzlies. He was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. He also earned two Olympic silver medals and two FIBA World Cup golds for Spain.

While his popularity has skyrocketed post-retirement, Jason Kelce was long revered as one of the NFL’s best offensive linemen. He started 193 of the 211 possible regular-season games during his 13-year career. Along with helping the Eagles win Super Bowl LII, Kelce was a six-time first-team AP All-Pro. He’s fully expected to become a Hall of Famer.