Running back David Johnson, who was named an All-Pro and Pro Bowler following a standout 2016 season, announced his retirement from the NFL Sunday.
On his Instagram page, Johnson said in part, “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!”
Johnson, 32, was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He ran for 581 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie before his encore performance resulted in a breakout season in 2016.
Johnson led the NFL with 2,118 yards from scrimmage that fall — 1,239 rushing yards, 80 receptions for 879 receiving yards and 20 total touchdowns — and was named first-team All-Pro and nominated to the 2016 Pro Bowl.
Injuries limited him to a single game in 2017 before he rebounded with 1,386 scrimmage yards in 2018. But he only exceeded 1,000 yards once more in his career, during his first season with the Houston Texans in 2020.
He last played for the New Orleans Saints in 2022, appearing in five games.
Over his eight-year career, Johnson rushed for 4,071 yards and 39 touchdowns, adding 277 receptions for 2,805 yards and 18 touchdown catches.
He ranks 10th in career rushing yardage with the Cardinals (3,128 yards) and is tied for third in rushing touchdowns (33).
–Field Level Media
