PHOENIX — Former All-Pro running back David Johnson says he's retiring from the NFL after eight seasons.
The 32-year-old made the announcement on Instagram Sunday. Johnson had his All-Pro season for the Arizona Cardinals in 2016, leading the NFL with 2,118 total yards from scrimmage, including 1,239 rushing and 879 receiving.
“There’s been highs and lows, but I’ve felt very fortunate and honored by the people who’ve supported me along this journey,” Johnson posted. “The relationships and brotherhoods I’ve formed with so many of my dawgs will never be forgotten. I’m going to miss the locker room, dining hall, and before meeting vibes.”
Johnson injured his left wrist in the opening game of the 2017 season and was eventually put on injured reserve. He bounced back to run for 940 yards in 2018, but could never quite reach the heights of his breakout season two years prior.
Johnson was dealt to the Houston Texans in 2020 in the trade that brought All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona. He played two seasons for the Texans and last played a regular-season game for the New Orleans Saints in 2022.
The Cardinals picked Johnson in the third round of the 2015 draft out of Northern Iowa. He finished his career with 6,876 total yards and 57 touchdowns.
“I’m looking forward to my next career path in life,” Johnson posted. “I don’t know exactly what that will be, but I hope it will bring me the same passion, excitement, and love as football did!”
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Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to four major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale.
Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.
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