Former All-Pro RB David Johnson announces NFL retirement after 8 seasons

Former All-Pro running back David Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL after eight seasons on Sunday.

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“I am blessed and very appreciative of the Cardinals drafting me in the 3rd round and I started my NFL career hitting the ground running (literally)! 2 games in, getting my uniform and cleats put in the Pro football Hall of Fame in Canton,” Johnson wrote in an Instagram post. “There’s been highs and lows, but I’ve felt very fortunate and honored by the people who’ve supported me along this journey. The relationships and brotherhoods I’ve formed with so many of my dawgs will never be forgotten.

“I’m going to miss the locker room, dining hall, and before meeting vibes. Guys from different backgrounds, ethnicities, struggles, and countries just talking about all aspects of life………..and of course joking around. When it’s all said and done, I really hope I impacted at least 1 person on and off the field in a positive way. I hope I was able to pay it forward, from the countless people who guided and taught me the right way to go about business, and giving back with integrity and a humble demeanor! And to the numerous coaches who sharpened my skills in playing this sport. I am forever grateful of you, truly!”

David Johnson’s NFL career closes after 8 seasons with 3 teams

Johnson, 32, spent the first five seasons of his career with the Arizona Cardinals, who selected him in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Northern Iowa. After recording 1,038 yards from scrimmage as a rookie, Johnson took his game to another level in 2016. Johnson rushed for a career high 1,239 yards and 16 touchdowns and hauled in 80 receptions for 879 yards and an additional four scores. He led the league with 2,118 yards from scrimmage, earning his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nomination.

Johnson dislocated his wrist in Week 1 of the 2017 season and didn’t play for the rest of the campaign. He signed a three-year, $39 million extension with $30 million guaranteed with the Cardinals ahead of the 2018 season, a contract he didn’t see through. The Cardinals traded him to the Houston Texans in a deal centered around star wideout DeAndre Hopkins during the 2020 offseason.

In two seasons with the Texans, he totaled 1,458 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns in 25 games. He spent his final season with the New Orleans Saints, tallying 71 yards from scrimmage in five games.

“Lastly, I would not have been able to do any of this without Gods good grace!,” Johnson wrote. “He did it all so a kid who didn’t have much, was given a chance to do what most can’t. I’m looking forward to my next career path in life. I don’t know exactly what that will be, but I hope it will bring me the same passion, excitement, and love as football did!”