There are certain athletes who were meant to wear one uniform -- like the late Al Kaline, who spent his entire 22-year career with the Tigers.
Can you imagine Kaline wearing anything other than the Old English 'D?' Neither can I.
But life happens. It wasn't long ago we thought Tom Brady would be a Patriot forever. Then he signed with the Bucs. It will be a shock to see him take the field in red and black this fall.
With that in mind, here are five star athletes who just didn't look right in a new uniform towards the end of their career.
Hakeem Olajuwon: Toronto Raptors
After 17 seasons and 12 All-Star Games with the Rockets, 'The Dream' signed with the Toronto Raptors at age 39. He played in 61 games while averaging 7.1 points and 6.0 rebounds, then retired at the end of the year.
Patrick Ewing: Seattle Supersonics
Ewing spent the first 15 years of his career with the Knicks, playing in 11 All-Star Games. He was dealt to Seattle as part of a four-team trade in 2000, played one season for the Supersonics and retired a year later.
Emmitt Smith: Arizona Cardinals
The NFL's all-time leading rusher built his legacy in Dallas. When the Cowboys released him after the 2002 season, Smith latched on with the Cardinals for the final two seasons of his career and wound up rushing for 937 yards and nine touchdowns at age 35.
Michael Jordan: Washington Wizards
Probably the most obvious name on this list. Jordan came out of retirement after 13 All-Star seasons with the Bulls, then made two more All-Star teams with the Wizards. He averaged 20.0 points and played in all 82 games his final season, at age 39.
Ray Bourque: Colorado Avalanche
Bourque spent his first 21 seasons in Boston, winning five Norris Trophies. He was dealt to the Avalanche at age 39, and retired after winning the first Stanley Cup of his career a year later.
