RB Kenyan Drake Announces NFL Retirement After Eight Seasons

Running back Kenyan Drake announced his retirement from the NFL on social media Friday following eight seasons in the league. Drake, 30, was selected 73rd overall by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft out of the University of Alabama.

Kenyan Drake played for the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, and Green Bay Packers

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound running back played 3½ seasons (2016-19) with the Dolphins, 1½ seasons (2019-20) with the Arizona Cardinals, the 2021 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, and the 2022 season with the Baltimore Ravens. In 2023, he also played one game for the Green Bay Packers and two for the Ravens.

“It’s been an incredible ride,” Drake wrote on Instagram. “Hard to believe [eight] seasons have come and gone. I’ve loved the journey — the wins, the moments big and small, the comradery, the energy, all of it … 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.”

NFL insider Josina Anderson later confirmed Drake’s retirement after he posted his message on social media. The running back told her that he is “at peace with the decision.”

“Yes it is. It felt like the right time,” he said. “I love the game, but I don’t love the business. I’m at peace with the decision. I’m healthy and ready to start the next chapter of my life.”

Drake scored the winning touchdown in the “Miracle in Miami” in 2018 against the New England Patriots

In 104 games (44 starts), Drake has career totals of 3,866 rushing yards on 869 attempts, 33 rushing touchdowns, 201 first downs, 218 receptions, 1,655 receiving yards, and eight touchdown receptions.

With the Dolphins in 2017, Drake received a larger role in Miami’s special teams unit and rushing attack, posting 883 yards from scrimmage. He was also a part of one of the most miraculous plays in recent NFL history.

His most famous play with Miami came on Dec. 9, 2018, when he completed the “Miracle in Miami” by taking a lateral to the end zone as time expired to defeat the New England Patriots.

Furthermore, Drake was traded to the Cardinals in 2019. A year later, he recorded a career-high 955 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns for Arizona. This led to a two-year deal with the Raiders, but they released him in August 2022.

At Alabama, Drake totaled 1,495 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns for the Crimson Tide. During Alabama’s 45-40 win over Clemson in the 2016 CFP National Championship, he returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.