From the center of the sports conversation to, like, the mildew-y edges of the sports conversation in less than a calendar year.
Tim Tebow
From Jet backup and New York Post staple to prospective Patriot to ex-football guy in a year, Tebow is pretty much doing nothing these days. He's still looking only for a job as a quarterback and only a quarterback, in the NFL and only the NFL, an insistence that means his playing days are probably over.
AP / Mary Schwalm
David Beckham
Mr. Posh Spice retired from international competition in May after an underwhelming season with top-tier French club Paris Saint-Germain, in which he appeared in 10 matches and scored no goals. But worry not, fans — though his relevance as a sportsman has expired, you'll still be able to catch him on red carpets and in magazine spreads for the next Eternity Years.
Gonzalo Fuentes / Reuters
Lance Armstrong
Armstrong's Oprah-hyped confession in January feels like years ago. He's since retreated full-time to his Austin residence, where he's probably standing in the backyard right now berating a cactus.
Anthony Bolante / Reuters
Nerlens Noel
Noel's much-hyped tenure at Kentucky came to an end with a knee injury in February. That didn't stop the New Orleans Pelicans from drafting him sixth overall and trading his rights to the Philadelphia 76ers. He still hasn't played a single NBA game this season and likely will not. (He could obviously get back on the map soon if he recovers.)
Nick Laham / Getty