Former NFL running back Duke Johnson announced his retirement from professional football after eight seasons in the league. Johnson was drafted in the third round by the Cleveland Browns in the 2015 NFL Draft after a successful college career at the University of Miami. He decided to forgo his senior season to pursue a career in the NFL, where he hoped to continue his success on the field.
Unfortunately, injuries plagued Johnson’s career early on, starting with a hamstring injury on the first day of the Browns’ training camp. Despite these setbacks, Johnson was able to make an impact on the field, rushing for 379 yards in his rookie season with Cleveland. However, his next few seasons with the team were less successful, leading to a trade to the Houston Texans in 2019. During his time with the Texans, Johnson had his most impactful season, rushing for 410 yards and two touchdowns.
After two seasons with Houston, Johnson was released in 2021 and briefly signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad before being released a few weeks later. He then joined the Miami Dolphins but only appeared in five games before moving on to the Buffalo Bills. In his final game with the Bills, Johnson rushed for four yards on two attempts before ultimately deciding to retire from professional football.
Throughout his career, Johnson showcased his versatility as a running back, rushing for 2,265 yards and 11 touchdowns while also catching 311 passes for 3,870 yards and 12 scores through the air. Although his career did not reach the heights that many had hoped for, Johnson’s resilience and dedication to the sport allowed him to play in the league for eight seasons before ultimately stepping away from the game.
As Johnson reflects on his time in the NFL, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work and determination, showing that even in the face of adversity, he was able to make an impact on the field. While his retirement may mark the end of his professional football career, Johnson’s contributions to the sport will not be forgotten as he transitions into the next chapter of his life.
