Kenyan Drake Announces Retirement After Eight-Year NFL Career
By [Journalist's Name]
Veteran running back Kenyan Drake announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday, bringing to a close an eventful and impactful career that saw him play for five teams over eight seasons. At 30 years old, Drake has chosen to hang up his cleats and reflect on an NFL journey filled with memorable moments and significant contributions.
"Hard to believe 8 seasons have come and gone. I've loved the journey - the wins, the moments big and small, the camaraderie, the energy, all of it," Drake expressed on Instagram. "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 began his professional career with the Miami Dolphins, who selected him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Over his first three-plus seasons with the Dolphins, Drake displayed both his rushing and receiving prowess, quickly establishing himself as a versatile offensive weapon. One of his most notable moments came in 2018 when he scored the game-winning touchdown against the New England Patriots in the now-famous "Miami Miracle."
Midway through the 2019 season, Drake was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, where he continued to flourish. The 2020 season marked a peak in his career, as he set personal bests with 955 rushing yards and ten touchdown runs. His performance helped solidify his reputation as a dependable running back capable of carrying a significant workload.
Following his stint with the Cardinals, Drake signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021. In his lone season with Las Vegas, he continued to showcase his abilities despite facing a different offensive scheme and new teammates. By 2022, he joined the Baltimore Ravens, where he played for four different teams throughout the year before finishing the season with the Ravens. During his time with Baltimore, Drake started five games, providing valuable depth to the team's running back rotation.
Drake's tenure with the Ravens concluded in January when he was released by the team. Later, he made a brief appearance in one regular-season game for the Green Bay Packers, contributing modestly to their offensive efforts.
Throughout his eight-season career, Drake amassed 3,866 rushing yards and scored 33 rushing touchdowns, maintaining a commendable average of 4.4 yards per carry. Beyond his rushing exploits, he was a reliable receiver out of the backfield, catching 218 passes for 1,655 yards and scoring eight receiving touchdowns.
Reflecting on his career and future, Drake shared his thoughts on what lies ahead. "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."
As Drake steps away from the game, he leaves behind a legacy of versatility, resilience, and memorable moments that will be cherished by fans and teammates alike. His journey serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work required to succeed in the NFL, and his future endeavors will undoubtedly be met with the same spirit and determination that defined his football career.