Former Alabama Crimson Tide star running back retires from NFL after productive career with multiple teams

Hanging up the cleats is inevitable, and it comes for all football players eventually. The latest to do so is long-tenured running back and former Alabama Crimson Tide star Kenyan Drake, who announced his retirement from the NFL today.

“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,” Drake said in a caption on his Instagram. “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.”

Drake, who most recently played for the Green Bay Packers, was in the NFL for eight seasons with multiple teams. He finishes his career with 3,866 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns.

Kenyan Drake is at peace with his decision

According to Josina Anderson, Kenyan Drake is reportedly ready to move on from his playing career.

When asked if it was true he was retiring, he responded with "yes it is. It felt like the right time. 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 has struggled to see meaningful playing time in the last couple years, seeing only two carries over the past two seasons.

Drake was a key member of the Alabama Crimson Tide

Drake's college career was full of success. Serving as an important asset for a dominant Alabama stretch, Drake was a part of two national championship teams.

The 2013 BCS National Championship saw Alabama route the No. 1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 42-14. Drake, a true freshman in this game, was mostly a reserve asset in that game, behind Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon in the pecking order out of the backfield.

Three years later, Drake was no longer an underclassmen, but found himself again competing with a future star running back in Derrick Henry.

The 2016 CFP National Championship was a much more competitive match than the 2013 bout, and Drake was a much bigger factor. Yes, Henry dominated backfield touches, toting the rock a staggering 36 times for 158 yards and three touchdowns, but Drake had his own contribution. Serving as the primary kick returner, Drake took a fourth quarter kick return 95 yards for a touchdown, stretching Alabama's lead to 38-27.

Kenyan Drake was drafted in the third round by the Miami Dolphins

Drake was selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and played out his rookie contract as a starting running back. 2018 was his most successful season in South Beach, running for 535 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, while also hauling in 53 receptions for 477 yards and five touchdowns.

Most notably, his 2018 season was capped off as the player that eventually crossed the goal line in the Miami Miracle against the New England Patriots.

Drake would go on to play for the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, and Las Vegas Raiders.