Former Alabama RB Kenyan Drake announces retirement
Former Alabama running back Kenyan Drake announced he’s retirement from football
After his college career with the Crimson Tide, Drake spent eight seasons in the NFL with seven different teams. Spending time in four different organizations this past year, the 2023 season was now his last. He played in 104 games with 3,866 yards and 33 touchdowns.
“It’s been an incredible ride,” Drake said on Instagram.
“Hard to believe 8 seasons have come and gone. I’ve loved the journey – the wins, the moments big and small, the comradery, the energy, all of it. I can’t say I loved everything (if you’ve ever done training camp in Miami you can relate lol), but certainly appreciate the lows and the grind, and know those moments grew me as a football player and more importantly as a person.
“Ready to enjoy a little retirement and see where the next chapter takes me. Thanks to everyone that was along for the ride with me – wouldn’t change a thing.”
Drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft (Pick 73), Drake spent four seasons in South Florida and was part of the “Miracle in Miami” play that lifted Miami over the New England Patriots in 2018. Drake moved on to the Arizona Cardinals in 2019 and was part of the organization for two seasons. He joined the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 and then the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. His 2023 season was with the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, Ravens and Green Bay Packers prior to his retirement.
His college career was impacted by injury, but his final season at Alabama was capped by an iconic play. Accounting for 1,189 all-purpose yards as a senior in 2015, Drake contributed in the ground game, as a receiver and on kickoff returns. During the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Clemson in 2016, he scored a touchdown in the 45-40 win over the Tigers in Arizona. A contributor for all four years at Alabama, Drake rushed for almost 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns. He won two national titles (2012 and 2015).
A native of Powder Spring, Georgia, Drake was considered a 4-star recruit in the class of 2012. He was in the same recruiting class as TJ Yeldon, who he later shared a backfield with while at Alabama. Drake also split carries with Eddie Lacy, Derrick Henry and others.
Not a member, Alabama fans? Join BOL today!
Have you subscribed to BamaOnLine.com yet? You can sign up for ONE MONTH of premium access to our Alabama coverage for just $1! Be able to read all of BOL’s premium articles and nuggets covering Alabama sports and recruiting and also join thousands of other Crimson Tide fans around the globe on the BOL Round Table message board! CLICK HERE!
