Former Houston Texans running back David Johnson announced his retirement on Instagram Sunday afternoon. He played eight seasons in the NFL after being selected in the third round (86th overall) by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Johnson established himself as one of the league's top running backs during the 2016 season. He had a career-best 1,239 yards on 293 attempts and 16 touchdowns. As a reliable two-way running back in the passing game, Johnson had 879 receiving yards on 80 catches and four touchdowns.
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“I'm so thankful and grateful that the Cardinals drafted me in the third round and I'm starting my NFL career in earnest (literally)! Only two games left! And my uniform and cleats were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.''There have been ups and downs, but I feel very lucky and honored by the people who have supported me on this journey.
“Finally, without the grace of God, I could not have done any of this. God did it all, giving a kid who had nothing the opportunity to do something that most people can't do. I'm looking forward to it.'' I don't know exactly what the next career path in my life will be, but it has brought me the same passion, excitement, and love that soccer has brought me. I hope it brings you. ” — Johnson from Instagram.
Johnson played for three teams during his NFL career. After five seasons with the Cardinals, the Texans acquired the veteran running back in March 2020 in a trade for All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
He spent two seasons with the Texans, rushing for 919 yards on 214 carries and six touchdowns. His best game against the Texans came during Houston's 37-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in December 2020. He finished the game with 128 yards on 12 carries and 12 attempts. After leaving Houston, Johnson played one season with the New Orleans Saints.
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Follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter. @CotyDavis_24.