Once hailed as the NFL's premier cornerback during his Seattle Seahawks' "Legion of Boom" era, Richard Sherman's illustrious career concluded after the 2021 season. He recently revealed the precise play that signaled the end of his time on the field.

A five-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro, and Super Bowl champion, Sherman joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year contract for the 2021 season after two years with the San Francisco 49ers and seven standout seasons in Seattle. However, a game against the Philadelphia Eagles proved to be a turning point for the then-33-year-old.

During an episode of his podcast, "The Richard Sherman Podcast," Sherman recounted the moment: "I was in Tampa, returning from a calf injury. It was my third game back, a Thursday night game against the Eagles. DeVonta Smith ran a comeback route. I had him covered initially, a quick jam, easy. But when he stopped, I tried to stop, and my groin just went. I was chasing him, thinking, 'Please don't throw him the ball.' Our coach was looking at me like, 'Want to come out?' I was like, 'Yeah, but they're in a hurry-up.' I was bailing out. Right then, I knew, 'This is probably my last year. I can't keep up with these young guys anymore.'"

Ironically, despite Sherman's feeling of being outmatched, Smith only managed two catches for 31 yards on four targets that game, which the Buccaneers won 28-22. However, injuries plagued Sherman's final season, including the calf injury and a season-ending Achilles injury. He appeared in just five games for the Buccaneers, recording one interception and a fumble recovery.

Despite his truncated season, Sherman witnessed Smith's potential firsthand. The Alabama standout went on to have a remarkable sophomore season with 1,196 yards and seven touchdowns. Since retiring, Sherman has transitioned into a successful sports media career.