19. Priest Holmes – Retired at 29 in 2007

In 2001, coming off two mediocre seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, running back Priest Holmes signed a modest free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Needless to say, the Chiefs got quite a return on their investment. Starting in 2001, Holmes ran for over 1,400 yards for three straight seasons; he had 21 rushing touchdowns in 2002, and set the NFL record for rushing touchdowns in a single season with 27 in 2003. Holmes was actually on pace to break that record in 2004, running for 14 touchdowns in only eight games, before sustaining a season-ending injury that would prove to be the beginning of the end for his career.

In 2005, Holmes missed nine more games after suffering an injury to his spinal column. He then missed all of the 2006 season trying to recover, and managed to play in a few games in 2007 before announcing his retirement. He retired as the Chiefs’ all-time leader for career rushing touchdowns (76), total touchdowns (83), and career rushing yards (6,070).