David Johnson retires after 8 NFL seasons

Former Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans running back David Johnson retired from the NFL, he announced Sunday on Instagram.

"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," Johnson said in the statement.

"Guys from different backgrounds, ethnicities, struggles, and countries just talking about all aspects of life and of course joking around. When it's all said and done, I really hope I impacted at least one person on and off the field in a positive way."

The Cardinals selected Johnson in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Northern Iowa. It didn't take long for Johnson to make his mark, as he became the first player in NFL history to score a rushing, receiving, and kick return touchdown in the first two games of their career. His cleats and jersey were entered into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the achievement.

Johnson took over the Cardinals' starting running back job late into his rookie campaign. He began to excel in his second season and earned first-team All-Pro honors after leading the league in scrimmage yards (2,118) and total touchdowns (20).

The 32-year-old spent three more seasons in Arizona before being dealt to the Houston Texans in a blockbuster trade that sent star wideout DeAndre Hopkins to the Cardinals. Johnson racked up only 919 rushing yards in two campaigns with Houston and played five contests with the New Orleans Saints in 2022.

Johnson finishes his career with 4,071 rushing yards, 2,805 receiving yards, and 57 total touchdowns in 92 career games.

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