Dec 9, 2018; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake (32) runs the ball after a flea flicker play to score a touchdown to defeat the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

NFL running back Kenyan Drake announced Friday he is retiring after eight seasons.

The former Alabama Crimson Tide star posted his decision on Instagram.

“Hard to believe 8 seasons have come and gone,” Drake wrote. “I’ve loved the journey – the wins, the moments big and small, the (camaraderie), the energy, all of it. 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. 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.”

Drake played for several NFL teams including the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals. He will forever be remembered for scoring the game-winning touchdown in the “Miami Miracle” as the Dolphins defeated the New England Patriots on a last-second desperation play in 2018.


Injuries plagued Drake throughout his NFL career, but there were flashes of greatness. In 2020 with the Cardinals, Drake rushed for a career-high 955 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Drake finished his career rushing for 3,866 yards and 33 touchdowns, with another 1,655 yards and eight TDs coming in the air.

Drake had numerous highlights at Alabama, most notably his 95-yard kickoff return in the 2016 National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers, one of the most memorable plays in college football history.

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About Stacey Mickles

Stacey is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama who has previously worked for other publications such as Sportskeeda and Saturday Down South.