Emotional Farewells: 18 Retirement Moments That Redefined Sports History

Wayne Gretzky's Tearful Goodbye, 1999

Known as 'The Great One,' Wayne Gretzky left the world of hockey with a tearful farewell in 1999. His retirement marked the end of an era in the National Hockey League. His emotional speech and the outpouring of love from fans worldwide made this moment a significant part of sports history.