As the saying goes, Father Time is undefeated. Throughout the 2024 calendar year, numerous prominent athletes have concluded their careers. These individuals, whether remembered as world champions, gold medalists, All-Pros, or All-Stars, have played significant roles in the sports landscape for a decade or more. Recently, tennis legend Rafael Nadal played his final match, marking a notable milestone for this accomplished group. The rankings of these athletes are subjective and involve cross-sport considerations, based on various accolades including MVP honors, all-league recognition, and other sport-specific awards.

15. Rajon Rondo, NBA - Rondo was an ideal fit as a pass-first, defensive-minded guard for the Boston Celtics during their late-2000s success. He garnered four All-Star selections and was an All-Defense choice, leading the league in assists three times and steals once. Rondo was instrumental in the Celtics' championship victory in 2008 and later contributed to the Los Angeles Lakers' championship run in 2020.

14. Fletcher Cox, NFL - A key player in the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive lineup from 2012-2023, Fletcher Cox recorded 70 sacks while establishing himself as a formidable run-stopping presence. His contributions earned him AP All-Pro honors in four seasons and he played a crucial role in the Eagles' Super Bowl victory.

13. Josh Donaldson, MLB - While not necessarily known for longevity, Josh Donaldson's peak performance was remarkable. The power-hitting third baseman won the American League MVP award in 2015 and finished fourth in MVP voting in two additional seasons. He also received two Silver Slugger awards during his time with the Toronto Blue Jays.

12. Stephen Strasburg, MLB - Although plagued by injuries, Stephen Strasburg enjoyed some exceptional years with the Washington Nationals, notably being named World Series MVP during the team's 2019 championship campaign. Strasburg concluded his career with a record of 113 wins against 62 losses and a 3.24 ERA.

11. Blake Griffin, NBA - Blake Griffin is often remembered for his spectacular dunks during the 'Lob City' era with the Los Angeles Clippers. Beyond his high-flying reputation, he was a versatile player, averaging 20 points per game and showcasing his passing ability. Griffin's accolades include Rookie of the Year honors in 2010-11, six All-Star selections, and five All-NBA team selections.

10. Joe Pavelski, NHL - Joe Pavelski's journey from a seventh-round draft pick in 2003 to a revered player with the San Jose Sharks is a true underdog story. He ranks 72nd in NHL history with a total of 1,068 points and leads American-born players with 74 postseason goals. Pavelski also earned an Olympic silver medal in 2010.

9. Derrick Rose, NBA - In a parallel universe, Derrick Rose would likely be celebrated among the greatest players in NBA history. His potential was evident early in his career with the Chicago Bulls, where he was named Rookie of the Year in 2008-09 and became league MVP just two years later. Unfortunately, injuries hindered his trajectory, but he retired with an impressive average of 17.4 points per game.

8. Matt Ryan, NFL - Regardless of whether he enters the Hall of Fame, Matt Ryan's impressive 15-year career cannot be denied. As of 2024, he ranks seventh all-time in passing yards with 62,792 and ninth in touchdown passes with 372. Ryan, awarded Rookie of the Year in 2008 and MVP in 2016, is recognized as the most accomplished quarterback in Atlanta Falcons history.

7. Marc Gasol, NBA - A distinguished figure both internationally and in the NBA, Marc Gasol excelled in European play before achieving prominence in the United States, primarily with the Memphis Grizzlies. Gasol was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 and earned two Olympic silver medals as well as two FIBA World Cup gold medals representing Spain.

6. Jason Kelce, NFL - Jason Kelce, a respected offensive lineman, enjoyed significant recognition during and after his playing career. Over 13 seasons, he started in 193 of 211 regular-season games, aiding the Philadelphia Eagles in their Super Bowl LII victory. Kelce is a six-time first-team AP All-Pro and is anticipated to gain Hall of Fame recognition.

5. Joey Votto, MLB - While some may argue against Joey Votto's Hall of Fame candidacy, such claims are contested. His career totals may not align with traditional benchmarks of 3,000 hits or 500 home runs; Votto concluded his career with 2,135 hits and 356 home runs. However, he played 17 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds and led the National League in on-base percentage seven times, retiring with a .409 OBP—a top-50 mark in MLB history. His resume also includes the 2010 NL MVP award, a Gold Glove in 2011, and six All-Star team selections.

4. Alex Morgan, Soccer - Alex Morgan has shone both in domestic and European leagues, but her international accomplishments are particularly notable. The left-footed striker played a vital role on the United States women's national team, scoring 123 goals in 224 appearances, ranking eighth all-time in international goals. Morgan won gold at the 2012 Olympics, famously scoring the overtime winner in the semifinal against Canada, as well as bronze in the 2020 Summer Games, and helping the team capture gold in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups. At the club level, she secured titles with the Western New York Flash, Portland Thorns, French club Lyon, and the San Diego Wave.

3. Aaron Donald, NFL - A dominant presence on the defensive side of the ball, Aaron Donald is widely expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He received Rookie of the Year honors in 2015 and maintained a consistent stance as a first-team All-Pro throughout every season from 2016 to 2023, aside from 2022 when injuries limited his play. Donald was awarded Defensive Player of the Year three times and amassed 111 sacks over his ten-year career, famously generating crucial pressure that led to a game-sealing incompletion in Super Bowl LVI for the Los Angeles Rams.

2. Candace Parker, WNBA - An overview of Candace Parker's accomplishments can scarcely encompass her vast capabilities. Within the WNBA, she garnered two league MVP awards, one Finals MVP, and three championships. Parker received All-WNBA honors ten times, with seven first-team selections, and earned Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year distinctions. Her historic collegiate career at Tennessee included becoming the first woman to dunk in NCAA tournament history, and she continued to excel professionally both in the WNBA and during her offseason in Russia. Parker is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist and is expected to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

1. Rafael Nadal, Tennis - Rafael Nadal is undoubtedly regarded as a tennis legend. Throughout his illustrious career, the Spanish star captured 22 Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals, with only Novak Djokovic claiming more Grand Slam titles in history. Known as the king of clay, he set a remarkable record with 81 consecutive victories on the surface and won the French Open an astounding 14 times. Nadal achieved this feat on three separate occasions, winning the tournament at least four times in successive years. With a total of 92 titles and an impressive 82.6 winning percentage over 24 years as a professional, Nadal's legacy is firmly established in the sport.