SAD NEWS: Former All-Pro Cardinals RB announces “SAD” retirement from NFL
The NFL is a league where success can be fleeting, and running back David Johnson learned this lesson firsthand during his time in the league. Johnson made a splashy debut with the Arizona Cardinals in 2015 and followed it up with two exceptional seasons. However, injuries soon took their toll, and Johnson was never able to recapture his early career form. His story serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL, where even the most promising careers can be derailed by the physical toll of the game.
David Johnson was one of the best RBs during his prime with the Cardinals
David Johnson was selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. As a rookie, he initially played behind Chris Johnson but gradually became more involved in the offense, finishing fourth in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting with impressive stats (125 carries, 581 yards, 8 touchdowns; 36 receptions, 457 yards, 4 touchdowns).The following season, 2016, marked the peak of Johnson’s career as he delivered one of the most dominant individual campaigns in recent memory for a running back (293 carries, 1,239 yards, 16 touchdowns; 80 receptions, 879 yards, 4 touchdowns).
This stellar performance earned him first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, solidifying his status as a rising star. Unfortunately, a wrist injury limited Johnson to just one game in 2017, and while he had productive seasons in 2018 and 2020, they fell short of his 2016 heights. After struggling to find a consistent role while bouncing between teams, Johnson announced his retirement on Sunday afternoon, having remained unsigned for the 2023 season. If not for the injuries that plagued him, Johnson’s potential was limitless. He was a dual-threat running back, excelling both as a runner and receiver, making him a versatile weapon for the Cardinals’ offense. His dominant 2016 campaign alone cemented his mark on the NFL, but he was unable to sustain that level of performance due to the physical toll of the sport. Johnson’s career trajectory serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of success in the NFL.
Despite his early promise, injuries ultimately derailed his career, and he was never able to recapture the magic of his 2016 season. However, Johnson can look back on his career with pride, knowing that he left an indelible mark on the league, even if it was for a brief period. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life, Johnson’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of an NFL career and the importance of making the most of every opportunity.
