David Johnson retires from NFL: ‘Hope I impacted at least 1 person’
The standout running back announced his retirement on Instagram, ending an eight-season career marked by historic milestones and unforgettable moments
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David Johnson, the electrifying running back who racked up 6,876 yards from scrimmage and 58 touchdowns in his eight-season NFL career, has decided to hang up his cleats. Johnson, who last took the field for the New Orleans Saints in 2022, made the big announcement on Instagram this past Sunday.
In his heartfelt post, Johnson shared, “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!”
The Arizona Cardinals snagged Johnson out of Northern Iowa in the third round of the 2015 draft. He wasted no time making a name for himself. Just two games into his pro career, his jersey and cleats were shipped off to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Why? Johnson became the first player in NFL history to score a rushing touchdown, receiving touchdown, and kickoff return touchdown within his first two games.
In his Instagram post, Johnson reminisced, “I am blessed and very appreciative of the Cardinals drafting me in the 3rd round 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.”
Johnson’s second season was nothing short of legendary. He led the NFL in both yards from scrimmage (2,118) and total touchdowns (20), earning a first-team All-Pro selection and his only Pro Bowl appearance. That year, he rushed for 1,239 yards, the only time he broke the 1,000-yard mark.
After five seasons with the Cardinals, Johnson was traded to the Houston Texans in 2020, in a blockbuster deal that sent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona. Johnson spent two seasons in Houston before suiting up for the Saints in 2022.
Johnson’s legacy: Impressive stats and heartfelt reflections
Throughout his career, Johnson amassed 4,071 rushing yards and 2,805 receiving yards. Of his 58 touchdowns, 39 were rushing, 18 receiving, and one on a kickoff return. His 33 rushing touchdowns with the Cardinals tie him for third in franchise history.
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Reflecting on his career, Johnson wrote, “When it’s all said and done, I really hope I impacted at least 1 person on and off the field in a positive way. 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!”
David Johnson, you’ve had an incredible run. Here’s to the next chapter!
