Kenyan Drake, a seasoned running back in the NFL, has chosen to retire from professional football. Confirming his decision in a discussion with NFL insider Josina Anderson, Drake expressed a sense of peace and readiness to embark on the next phase of his life.
At 30 years old, Drake reflected on his career, emphasizing his love for the game but acknowledging his discomfort with its business aspects. “It felt like the right time,” he conveyed to Anderson. “I’m healthy and prepared to start the next chapter.”
Drake began his NFL journey as a third-round pick for the Miami Dolphins, where he spent a significant portion of his career, including his lone playoff appearance. He showcased his versatility by surpassing 1,000 scrimmage yards in multiple seasons, notably achieving this milestone in 2018 and 2019 while splitting time between the Dolphins and later the Arizona Cardinals.
His most standout year came in 2020 with the Cardinals, where he accumulated 955 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns over a full season. This achievement led to a lucrative two-year, $11 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. However, Drake’s subsequent years in the league were marked by shorter-term contracts and moves between teams in search of playing opportunities.
Following his stint with the Raiders, Drake had brief tenures with the Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, and Cleveland Browns between August 2022 and November of the following year. He signed his final NFL contract with the Green Bay Packers in December, making a single appearance before opting to retire.
Despite attempting to secure a new contract this offseason, Drake decided to forego pursuing a training camp deal or waiting for a midseason opportunity, opting instead to focus on life after football.
Drake wraps up his NFL career having played in a total of 105 combined regular season and playoff games, amassing 5,521 scrimmage yards and scoring 41 touchdowns over eight years. His time in the league also saw him earn nearly $26 million in career earnings.
Looking ahead, Drake’s retirement marks a transition from the gridiron to exploring new avenues outside of football. While his departure from the NFL may come as a surprise to some, it underscores his readiness to prioritize personal well-being and explore opportunities beyond the playing field.
