Former NFL All-Pro running back David Johnson announces retirement

Former NFL All-Pro running back David Johnson is hanging up his cleats.

The one time Pro Bowler announced that he’s walking away from football after a standout career in the NFL from 2015-2022.

His tenure saw him play for the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints through his career.

“Who would have thought this kid would be the first pro athlete to come out of small town Clinton, IA. Chasing a dream when all but 2 D1AA college coaches thought I was good enough for a scholarship. I am blessed and very appreciative of the Cardinals drafting me in the 3rd round,” he said on his Instagram, adding a prayer emoji. “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.”

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Johnson continued, “The relationships and brotherhoods I’ve formed with so many of my dawgs will never be forgotten. I’m going to miss the locker room, dining hall, and before meeting vibes. Guys from different backgrounds, ethnicities, struggles, and countries just talking about all aspects of life………..and of course joking around.”

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Johnson was drafted No. 86 overall in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Northern Iowa.

He ran for more than 4,000 yards in his career and recorded 57 touchdowns in total.

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“I really hope I impacted at least 1 person on and off the field in a positive way,” he added on Instagram. “I hope I was able to pay it forward, from the countless people who guided and taught me the right way to go about business, and giving back with integrity and a humble demeanor! And to the numerous coaches who sharpened my skills in playing this sport. I am forever grateful of you, truly! Lastly, I would not have been able to do any of this without Gods good grace! He did it all so a kid who didn’t have much, was given a chance to do what most can’t. 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’s 2016 campaign was his breakout season, where he finished third for Offensive Player of the Year, made his lone Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors.

He became a fantasy stud that season, rushing for 1,239 yards. He also recorded 80 catches for 879 yards. He had 20 touchdowns in total that year.

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