Duke Johnson, a versatile running back who left his mark both in college and the NFL, has decided to step away from professional football. At the age of 30, Johnson made his retirement announcement through a heartfelt Instagram post on Sunday, capping off an eight-year journey in the league.
“I’m officially retiring from the NFL,” Johnson shared on social media, expressing his hope to have made an impact that transcends the game of football.
Johnson, a proud product of South Florida, etched his name in the history books of the Miami Hurricanes as their all-time leading rusher. During his collegiate tenure from 2012 to 2014, he amassed an impressive 3,519 rushing yards across 526 carries. His remarkable performance at Miami caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns, where he was picked 77th overall.
Over his four seasons with the Browns, Johnson showcased his capability as a dual-threat back, accumulating 1,286 yards on the ground and 2,170 yards through the air over 534 touches. His performance earned him a three-year contract extension in 2018, though he found himself traded to the Houston Texans before the commencement of the 2019 season.
Johnson’s NFL journey saw him don the jerseys of several teams. After a two-season stint with the Texans, he was released in 2021.
He briefly joined the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad that same year before moving to play for his hometown team, the Miami Dolphins. Johnson’s professional career concluded with a short tenure at the Buffalo Bills in 2022, where he played the final game of his NFL career.
Reflecting on his career, Johnson leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and versatility in the backfield, remembered not just for his moves on the field but for the lasting impression he aimed to leave off it.