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David Johnson may not be the best player in the NFL, but fans will still miss him. On Sunday, the one-time Pro Bowl and double All-Pro running back announced his retirement via Instagram. He wrote:
"There’s been highs and lows, but I’ve felt very fortunate and honored by the people who’ve supported me along this journey. The relationships and brotherhoods I’ve formed with so many of my dawgs will never be forgotten."
"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!"
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A number of fans were saddened as they reacted.
However, some were also surprised that it took him this long before saying goodbye.
"Late," one said.
"I thought he been retired," said another.
"He was still in the league?" yet another's stunned question came.
A brief overview of David Johnson's career
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, David Johnson moved to Iowa in his youth. He attended Clinton High School, excelling in football, basketball, and track and field. Upon graduation, however, he received two scholarship offers, both from FCS programs: Northern Iowa and Illinois State.
Not wanting to move again, he chose the former and impressed, posting ever-increasing rushing yards from 2011 to 2014. He would be selected 86th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2015.
After beginning his career as the fourth-string running back, Johnson got his first start that December. From there, he would break out, helping the team go as far as the conference title game, then becoming an All-Pro and Pro Bowler as a sophomore after posting 1,239 yards and 16 touchdowns.
In the first week of the 2017 season, he broke his wrist and had to undergo surgery. Even though recovery would take only 2-3 months, the Cardinals shut him down for the rest of the season anyway, hoping he would regain his form.
He did. In 2018, David Johnson signed a three-year, $39-million extension and played well, amassing 940 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. But a regression in 2019 caused him to be traded to the Houston Texans for star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and a fourth-round pick in the following offseason.
After playing out his contract, he would finish his career with the New Orleans Saints.
