Former Dolphins star Kenyan Drake, 30, retires from the NFL after eight seasons: ‘Wouldn’t change a thing’
Former Miami Dolphins star Kenyan Drake is ending his career after eight seasons in the NFL.
On Friday, the 30-year-old running back announced via social media that he is leaving the sport.
Drake wrote in a photo carousel of his time in the league that he was at peace with his decision.
“It’s been an incredible ride,” he wrote. “Hard to believe 8 seasons have gone by. I’ve loved the journey â the victories, the big and small moments, the camaraderie, the energy, all of it.”
“Ready to enjoy a little retirement and see where the next chapter takes me. Thanks to everyone who was with me â I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Former Miami Dolphins star Kenyan Drake retires from professional football after eight NFL seasons
After a successful college career at Alabama, Drake was selected by the Dolphins in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Before being drafted, Drake spent his four NCAA careers in Tuscaloosa, winning the 2012 and 2015 national titles with the Crimson Tide under Nick Saban.
The running back played his first three seasons in South Beach, scoring a memorable game-winning touchdown against the New England Patriots in the 2018 âMiami Miracle,â before being traded to the Arizona Cardinals at the 2019 trade deadline.
Drake’s departure from Miami would arguably herald the best period of his career. In 2019, Drake ran for eight touchdowns and 643 yards in nine games for the Cardinals.
Drake’s time with the Dolphins included a game-winning touchdown at the Miracle in Miami
Drake’s eight seasons were spread across seven different organizations in the NFL
He capitalized on the momentum and had an excellent season the following year, throwing for 10 touchdowns and 955 yards.
The impressive performance earned Drake a two-year, $14.5 million contract with the Raiders, but he left Sin City after just one season after being cut by the team in August 2022.
In 2022, he played for the Ravens and played briefly for the Colts, Browns and Packers before returning to Baltimore.
“It felt like the right time,” Drake told NFL insider Josina Anderson. “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 totaled 3,886 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns during his eight-season NFL career.