Arizona Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake has confirmed his retirement from professional football, putting an end to a notable NFL career. The news was first reported by NFL insider Josina Anderson, with Drake himself providing a heartfelt confirmation.
“Yes it is. It felt like the right time. 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 shared via text message with Anderson. He later made the announcement official on Instagram, closing a significant chapter in his life.
Drake’s NFL journey began when he was selected as a third-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 2016 NFL Draft. Over three seasons in Miami, he established himself as a promising talent. However, his career truly took off when he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals at the 2019 trade deadline for a conditional late-round pick.
In his debut game with the Cardinals, Drake made an immediate impact, rushing for over 100 yards and a touchdown. He finished the 2019 season with eight touchdowns, proving his value to the team. Recognizing his contributions, the Cardinals placed the transition tag on Drake in the offseason to retain him.
The 2020 season saw Drake continue to shine, amassing 955 rushing yards and ten touchdowns. His performance secured him a two-year, $14.5 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2021 offseason. However, his tenure with the Raiders was short-lived, and Drake spent the following years bouncing between several teams.
Drake’s NFL career included stints with the Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts (where he was cut just before the 2023 final roster deadline), Cleveland Browns (where he spent a month on the practice squad), and Green Bay Packers (another month on the practice squad to end last season).
Over his 104-game career, Drake accumulated 3,866 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns. Despite the challenges and frequent team changes in his later years, Drake’s contributions to the game have been significant.
As he steps away from football, Drake reflects on a career marked by notable achievements and resilience. His decision to retire is grounded in a desire to pursue new opportunities and a sense of peace with his decision. The NFL community will remember Drake for his explosive performances and his ability to make an impact wherever he played.