Jason Witten is leaving the broadcast booth to return to the Dallas Cowboys, the team announced on Thursday. The All-Pro tight end struggled mightily in his first season on ESPN’s Monday Night Football. He joins others who retired only to come back.
Marshawn Lynch
Beast Mode retired on the day of the Super Bowl in 2016. He missed the following season but returned to play with the Oakland Raiders.
Brett Favre
Brett Favre seemingly retired and unretired more than people change their socks.
Michael Jordan
His Airness retired in 1993 and 1999 only to return both times.
Roger Clemens
Roger Clemens announced his retirement after the 2003 season with the New York Yankees. It didn’t last as months later he signed with the Houston Astros.
Magic Johnson
In 1996, Magic Johnson returned to NBA regular-season action, ending a four-year retirement following his positive HIV test.
Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux returned to the Pittsburgh Penguins three years after he retired following being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Manny Pacquiao
Round and round boxers go and Manny Pacquiao decided to step away from the ring to continue his political career at home. It didn’t last and it seemingly never does with boxers.
Ryne Sandberg
Ryne Sandberg had a long and prosperous career. He opted to leave after the 1994 season but returned for two seasons after missing 1995.
Andy Pettitte
Andy Pettitte left the Yankees for a season after 2010. He missed a year and came back to pitch two more seasons in the Bronx.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
See Pacquiao, Manny
Randall Cunningham
Randall Cunningham’s career appeared over in 1995. Dennis Green convinced him to resume his career as a backup in 1997. When starter Brad Johnson was injured in 1998, Cunningham took over and led the team to an overall 15-1 record.
Mark Martin
The year 2006 was supposed final season running a full-time schedule. Three years later, Martin was a five-time winner and Cup runner-up.
Bob Cousy
The legendary Bob Cousy retired in 1963 and did not return to the court until the 1969-70 season when he was player-coach of the Cincinnati Royals and appeared in seven games.
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali retired more than once. His final comeback led to poor showings in the ring.
Sugar Ray Leonard
In 1982, Sugar Ray Leonard was diagnosed with a detached retina and underwent surgery. He announced his retirement from boxing. A few years later he returned to the ring.
Bjorn Borg
Bjorn Borg stunned the tennis and sports world with his retirement in 1983 at the age of 27. Eight years later, he attempted a short comeback with little success.
Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders returned to football in 2004 after exiting in following the 2000 season. He teamed with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed as a member of the Baltimore Ravens upon his return.
Mark Spitz
Mark Spitz won seven gold medals at Munich in 1972 and retired. Many years later he attempted a comeback that failed miserably.
Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps decided to retire in 2012. Two years later, the swimming great announced a comeback with eyes on the 2016 Olympics.
Pele
Pele stopped playing full-time for his Brazilian club Santos in 1972. The three-time World Cup champion came out of his retirement to play for the New York Cosmos in 1975.
Reggie White
Al Bello-ALLSPORTReggie White left the Green Bay Packers following the 1998 season. After missing a year, he came back to play for the Carolina Panthers with less success. Jason Witten has to hope he will have greater times in his return.
