Kenyan Drake is retiring from the NFL, the former running back announced on social media Friday afternoon.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” he wrote on Instagram. “Hard to believe it’s been 8 seasons. I’ve loved this journey: the victories, the moments big and small, the camaraderie, the energy, all of it (…) I’m ready to enjoy a little retirement and see where the next chapter takes me. Thank you to everyone who’s been with me on this journey, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
After being selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Alabama Dolphins, Drake, 30, spent eight seasons in the league, totaling 3,866 rushing yards and 41 total touchdowns.
He spent four years in Tuscaloosa with the Crimson Tide under head coach Nick Saban, winning national championships in 2012 and 2015.
Drake spent his first three NFL seasons in Miami, including scoring the game-winning touchdown in the “Miami Miracle” against the Patriots in 2018, before being traded to the Cardinals at the 2019 trade deadline, marking the start of perhaps the best stretch of his career.
In eight games with Arizona in 2019, Drake rushed for eight touchdowns and 643 yards.
A year later, Drake had a breakout year for the Cardinals, reaching the end zone 10 times for 955 rushing yards.
He parlayed that season into a two-year, $14.5 million contract with the Raiders, though Las Vegas released him in August 2022 after just one season in Sin City.
Drake played the 2022 season with the Ravens before bouncing around in 2023 with the Colts, Browns, Packers and a second stop in Baltimore.
“I felt like it was the right time,” Drake told NFL insider Joina Anderson.
“I love the game, but I don’t love the business. I’m at peace with my decision. I’m healthy and ready to start the next chapter of my life.”
