Former Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson has officially announced his retirement from the National Football League (NFL) after eight successful seasons. The 32-year-old athlete made the announcement on his Instagram account, expressing gratitude for the support he received throughout his football journey.

Johnson, who was an All-Pro in 2016, reflected on the highs and lows of his career in his retirement post, stating that he felt fortunate and honored to have been supported by so many people. He emphasized the lasting relationships and brotherhoods he formed with his teammates that will always be cherished.

Although not a highly regarded prospect in college, Johnson proved his worth at Northern Iowa, amassing impressive stats of over 6,400 yards and 63 touchdowns in four seasons. This achievement caught the attention of the Arizona Cardinals, who selected him in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Initially serving as a backup to Chris Johnson, David Johnson seized the opportunity when Chris suffered an injury.

In his first career start, Johnson showcased his talent with 120 total yards and a touchdown. Just two weeks later, he made a statement with an exceptional performance of 187 rushing yards and three touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles. Johnson's achievements early on earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, where his uniform and cleats were preserved.

During the 2016 season, Johnson solidified his position as the Cardinals' primary running back, totaling 1,239 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Additionally, he proved himself as a versatile player, catching 80 passes for 879 yards and four more touchdowns. His remarkable performance earned him his first and only All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. To this day, his 20 total touchdowns in a single season remain a franchise record for the team.

After spending five seasons with the Cardinals, Johnson joined the Houston Texans in 2020 as their starting running back. He recorded 691 rushing yards and 314 receiving yards, contributing eight total touchdowns. However, in 2021, he transitioned to a backup role before signing with the New Orleans Saints in 2022. Unfortunately, his time with the Saints was marred by injuries, limiting him to only five games and 24 rushing yards.

Johnson concluded his retirement post by expressing his hope of positively impacting at least one person on and off the field throughout his career. He thanked the countless individuals who guided and taught him, as well as the coaches who sharpened his skills. Johnson also attributed his success to the grace of God.

While uncertain about his next career path, Johnson stated that he looked forward to finding a new endeavor that would bring him the same passion, excitement, and love that football provided. As Johnson begins the next chapter of his life, his contributions to the NFL and the memories he created on and off the field will forever be remembered by fans and teammates alike.