A University of Miami legend is calling it a career.
Veteran running back Duke Johnson announced in an Instagram post on Sunday that he is retiring from the NFL. The 30-year-old said he has accomplished more than he ever imagined and thanked the four teams he played for over his eight-year NFL career.
“I never dreamed of being the all time leading rusher of my dream school or being somewhere on the list of all time players to come out of South FL. I just wanted an opportunity to play a game to provide a better life for my family and I was able to do just that. I want to thank each team for giving me the chance to play and represent your organization and all the fans that supported me through the highs and lows,” Johnson wrote. “Thanks to all my vets who were able to show me the ropes free of charge and all my little bros who trusted me to be that veteran that you can depend on, that really meant a lot to me. To all my coaches that I love, y’all know who y’all are, THANK YOU.”
Johnson was a star at Miami before being taken by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He averaged a whopping 6.7 yards per carry over three seasons in college and rushed for 1,652 yards and 10 touchdowns with the Hurricanes in 2014.
Though he never became a featured back in the NFL, Johnson made significant contributions in the passing game. He had 44 or more receptions every season from his rookie year through 2019, with a career-high 74 catches in 2017.
Johnson played for the Browns for four seasons before short stints with the Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills. He finishes his NFL career with 2,265 rushing yards, 2,870 receiving yards and 23 total touchdowns.
