I thought this was more about players who were at the top but then fell off despite still playing. Thats why I mentioned Duval. I would not put guys like Barry Sanders or Jim Brown in this category. They were both great right up until they retired. Of course once a player retires, he will somewhat disappear from the limelight. Even Tom Watson I would not consider as someone who disappeared. He was still winning tournaments on PGA tour in his late 40's before he went on to have a nice career on Senior tour. Duval was in his prime and #1 in the world early in his career and then disappeared for years...
I think we're getting a lot of different interpretations as to what the question means:
- Were at the top but fell off while still playing
- Were at the top and left their respective sport and the public eye
- Were at the top and left their respective sport but should still be considered even if they went into movies
- Were at the top but running backs don't count because it's expected of them to fall off the map
Impressive day day today almost shot his age in a major:
2014 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Tom Watson, 64, saved his best for last in the 2014 Open Championship, carding a 4-under 68 in Sunday's final round at Royal Liverpool.
really unknowledgable post considering:
Few men have accomplished more in the game than Watson. Only five players -- Jack Nicklaus (18), Tiger Woods (14), Walter Hagen (11), Ben Hogan (9) and Gary Player (9) -- have been more successful in majors.
Tiger went from the greatest golfer of all time - a lock to pass Jack's records by leaps and bounds - probably the most dominant athlete in any sport of all time - to an above average golfer with no injury and age not a factor - sure he had surgery this year but the last 5 years he was not injured - it defies logic
