Former Browns, Texans running back Duke Johnson announces retirement from NFL

Running back Duke Johnson is calling it a career after playing in the NFL for eight seasons. Johnson went to Instagram on Sunday to announce his retirement. He was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft after having a strong career with the Miami Hurricanes.

“8 Years 4 teams with 1 goal in mind, create a better life for my family,” Johnson wrote in the Instagram post. “I never dreamed of being the all time leading rusher of my dream school or being somewhere on the list of all time players to come out of South FL. I just wanted an opportunity to play a game to provide a better life for my family and I was able to do just that. I want to thank each team for giving me the chance to play and represent your organization and all the fans that supported me through the highs and lows.”

Johnson went on to thank the players and coaches he worked with during his career. “Last but DEFINITELY NOT LEAST, I want to thank my GOD for allowing me to take this journey and end it in the same health I started it in,” he added. “With that being said I’m officially retiring from the NFL. I hope I left a greater impression on y’all that’s bigger than football. To my wife and Son, all of this was for y’all.
GG’s in the chat 8 Ball Out.”

Looking at Duke Johnson’s NFL and college career

In Johnson’s rookie season with the Browns, he recorded 912 yards from scrimmage and two receiving touchdowns. In his four seasons in Cleveland, Johnson’s best year was in 2017 when he tallied 1,041 yards from scrimmage and seven total touchdowns.

In August 2019, Johnson was traded to the Houston Texans. He spent two seasons with the team and posted 1,304 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns in 27 games. Johnson played for the Miami Dolphins in 2021 and appeared in five games. He signed with the Buffalo Bills for the 2022 season and appeared in just one game.

In college, Johnson became one of the top running backs in the country. In 2012, the Miami native rushed for 947 yards and 10 touchdowns to earn ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. And in his final season with the Hurricanes (2014), Johnson rushed for 1,652 yards and 10 touchdowns, leading him to be named to the All-ACC First Team.