Kenyan Drake Calls Time on Prolific NFL Career
After an eventful and productive eight seasons in the NFL, Kenyan Drake announced his retirement on Friday, bringing to a close a career that saw him don the jerseys of five teams and leave a lasting mark on the field.
Early Days and the "Miami Miracle"
Drake, now 30, began his NFL journey with the Miami Dolphins, who drafted him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Over the course of three-plus seasons with the Dolphins, Drake steadily established himself as a reliable and versatile offensive weapon. One of his most memorable moments came in 2018 when he scored the game-winning touchdown against the New England Patriots in what is famously known as the "Miami Miracle." This moment etched his name in NFL folklore and showcased his knack for delivering in high-pressure situations.
Rising with the Cardinals
Midway through the 2019 season, Drake was traded to the Arizona Cardinals. It was with the Cardinals that he set his personal bests, achieving career highs with 955 rushing yards and ten touchdown runs in the 2020 season. Drake's impressive performance that year solidified his reputation as a formidable running back capable of balancing power and agility.
A Journeyman's Path
Drake's career then saw him take on roles with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 and the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. His time with the Ravens was particularly tumultuous as he played for four different teams throughout the season, eventually settling with Baltimore. Despite the instability, Drake managed to start five games for the Ravens, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.
However, January marked a turning point as the Ravens released Drake. He made a brief cameo with the Green Bay Packers in a single regular-season game, marking the final chapter of his on-field exploits.
Career By the Numbers
Over his eight-season career, Drake accumulated significant statistics that underscore his contributions to the game. He amassed 3,866 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns, maintaining an impressive average of 4.4 yards per carry. In addition to his prowess on the ground, Drake also caught 218 passes for 1,655 yards, adding eight receiving touchdowns to his tally. These numbers reflect a player who was just as effective in the passing game as he was in rushing, embodying the modern-day dual-threat running back.
Reflections and Farewell
In his retirement announcement shared on Instagram, Drake reflected on his journey with a mix of gratitude and humor. "Hard to believe 8 seasons have come and gone. I've loved the journey - the wins, the moments big and small, the camaraderie, the energy, all of it. I can't say I loved everything (if you've ever done training camp in Miami you can relate lol), but certainly appreciate the lows and the grind, and know those moments grew me as a football player and more importantly as a person. Ready to enjoy a little retirement and see where the next chapter takes me. Thanks to everyone that was along for the ride with me - wouldn't change a thing."
Drake's career, characterized by memorable highlights and consistent performance, leaves an indelible mark on the league. As he steps away from the gridiron, fans and fellow players alike will remember Kenyan Drake for his contributions, resilience, and the moments that defined his time in the NFL.