The NFL Will Look Very Different Next Year ~ The FreeLancers

We are only a week into the offseason, and we have heard some big names retire from the NFL. We are still waiting to here from one more big name, but presumably, three future Hall-of-Famers will be gone next season.

We also have heard some devastated news out of Cleveland and Philadelphia, that have us questioning the well-being of some NFL players. We may not see them play at all as well.

Calvin Johnson

An all-time great at his position. The franchise leader in almost every receiving category. No SuperBowl appearance, and a sudden retirement. Does this sound familiar Lion's fans? Calvin Johnson has retired from the NFL which has come as a shock to many.

After nine seasons in the NFL, Megatron's body flat out began to wear down. Johnson has a huge frame and his size makes him an easy target. It's safe to say that Megatron had plenty more in the tank, this wasn't a " I just cannot produce anymore." retirement. Dealing with multiple ankle injuries and other general body injuries may be too much for the 30-year old to handle. Who's to blame him.

None of us want to see arguably the greatest wide receiver in NFL history go, but he made a decision with his family and close friends. A decision to part ways with the NFL after just nine seasons and one playoff win.

Here are some parting gifts for those who are still mourning.

6× Pro Bowl (2010-2015)
3× First-team All-Pro (2011-2013)
Second-team All-Pro (2010)
2× NFL receiving yards leader (2011, 2012)
3x NFC Receiving yards leader (2011-2013)
2× NFC receiving touchdowns leader (2010, 2011)
10,000 Receiving Yards Club
NFL single-season record for most receiving yards (1,964, 2012)
Second most all time receiving yards in a game (329)
One of two players in NFL history with 5,000+ receiving yards in a 3-year period (Antonio Brown)
Pro football record for most career games with 200+ receiving yards (5, tied with Lance Alworth)
Detroit Lions all-time career leader in receiving yards and touchdowns
Fastest receiver to reach 10,000 receiving yards

Marshawn Lynch

The quiet, yet outspoken running back for the Seattle Seahawks, Marshawn Lynch has also retired from the NFL.

We all know what Beast Mode is known for doing, taking on hits with full force, and hardly ever being tackled by one defender. Now it seems as though those brutal hits have caught up with Lynch.

Lynch also has retired after just nine seasons and may still have some gas left in the tank, but if you're following the trend here, that's not what this is about. The NFL is getting more and more physical and the toll these hits can take on ones body can cause them to think seriously about their future.

I applaud both Johnson and Lynch for making these tough decisions.

Marshawn Lynch will leave behind a unique legacy that transcends the running back position. Many will remember the Media Days, many will remember the gang signs and terrible "thug" word being used torward Lynch. Quite frankly, many couldn't have a more respected career than Lynch. What Beast Mode meant to Seattle and their fans is undeniable. I know what i will remember. I will remember the BeastQuake back against New Orleans in 2011. I will remember the Skittles raining down from the stands after every touchdown. Lynch has left his mark on the league, a mark much like any other.

Super Bowl champion (2014)
2x NFC Champion (2013, 2014)
5× Pro Bowl (2008, 2011–2014)
First-team All-Pro (2012)
Second-team All-Pro (2014)
2× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (2013, 2014)
NFL total touchdowns co-leader (2014)
2× NFL post-season rushing leader (2013, 2014)
24th all-time in rushing touchdowns

Peyton Manning

Not much needs to be said about Peyton Manning. I know we're jumping the gun with this but let's be real, Peyton has to make a decision by March 8th, or someone on the Broncos will have to make a decision for him.

Peyton had a year unlike any other in 2015. He had led a team to a 7-0 record. Was then booed off the field. Was then benched for Brock Osweiler after a 4-INT game. Then the injuries started to kick in and made matters worse. Yet, just like Peyton would, he persevered. He made a Week 17 come-back and led the Denver Broncos to post-season wins against the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers.

Whenever Manning decides to hang up his cleats, he will go down as a first-ballot HOFer. What Manning has meant for the league is hard to put into words. He has stolen the hearts of many and is class-personified.

Manning has more Super Bowl titles than everyone mentioned in this article, combined. It is hard to imagine a quarterback having a better season than Manning's prolific 2013 season. Manning will go down as a top five player of all time. The stats speak for themselves.

2× Super Bowl champion (XLI, 50)
Super Bowl MVP (XLI)
4× AFC champion (2006, 2009, 2013, 2015)
5× AP NFL MVP (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2013)
14× Pro Bowl (1999, 2000, 2002-2010, 2012-2014)
7× First-team All-Pro (2003-2005, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013)
3× Second-team All-Pro (1999, 2000, 2006)
2× AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2004, 2013)
AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2012)
4× NFL passing touchdown leader (2000, 2004, 2006, 2013)
3x NFL passing yards leader (2000, 2003, 2013)
Pro Bowl MVP (2005)
Indianapolis Colts all-time leader (career wins, passing touchdowns, pass attempts, pass completions, passing yards)
NFL all-time leader in career touchdown passes and passing yards
NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (2013)
Other awards and honors