Former NFL running back David Johnson. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Former Pro Bowl RB announces retirement

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated 5/19/24

Former NFL running back David Johnson has called it a career.

Johnson announced via Instagram on Sunday that he is retiring from the NFL. The 32-year-old thanked the Arizona Cardinals for drafting him and referred to his record-setting season in 2016.

“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. There’s been highs and lows, but I’ve felt very fortunate and honored by the people who’ve supported me along this journey,” Johnson wrote.

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The Cardinals drafted Johnson in the third round in 2015. Johnson had a breakout season in 2016 when he rushed for 1,239 yards and caught 80 passes for 879 yards. He had 20 total touchdowns, which is a record for a Cardinals player in a single campaign. Johnson made the Pro Bowl and was named a first-team All-Pro that year.

Johnson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 1 in 2017, so he was unable to build off of the momentum he created in 2016. He bounced back in 2018 with 1,386 scrimmage yards and 11 total touchdowns.

After playing five seasons in Arizona, Johnson was traded to the Houston Texans as part of a deal involving star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Johnson had a productive year in 2020 with 1,005 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns. He spent one more season with the Texans in 2021 before finishing his career with the New Orleans Saints.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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