Former Dolphins star Kenyan Drake, 30, retires from the NFL after eight seasons: 'Wouldn't change a thing'

Former Miami Dolphins star Kenyan Drake is calling it a career after eight seasons in the NFL. 

On Friday, the 30-year-old running back took to social media to announce his departure from the sport. 

With a carousel of photos from his time in the league, Drake wrote about being at peace with his decision. 

'It's been an incredible ride,' he captioned. 'Hard to believe 8 seasons have come and gone. I've loved the journey — the wins, the moments big and small, the comradery, the energy, all of it.' 

'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.'

After a successful collegiate career in Alabama, Drake was selected by the Dolphins in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. 

Before getting drafted, Drake spent all four years of his NCAA career in Tuscaloosa and won the 2012 and 2015 national titles with the Crimson Tide under Nick Saban's guidance. 

The running back spent his first three-plus seasons in South Beach and memorably scored a winning touchdown against the New England Patriots in the 'Miami Miracle' in 2018. He then got dealt to the Arizona Cardinals at the 2019 trade deadline. 

Drake's departure from Miami would kick off perhaps the best stretch in his career. In 2019, Drake ran for eight touchdowns and 643 yards in nine games for the Cardinals. 

He rode the momentum and had a standout season the following year, recording 10 touchdowns and 955 yards. 

The impressive performance earned Drake a two-year, $14.5million contract with the Raiders. However, he left Sin City after just one season after being waived by the team in August 2022. 

He found himself playing for the Ravens in 2022 and served short stints with the Colts, Browns and Packers before returning to Baltimore. 

'It felt like the right time,' Drake told NFL insider Josina Anderson. 'I love the game, but I don't love the business. I'm at peace with the decision. I'm healthy and ready to start the next chapter of my life.' 

Drake totaled 3,886 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns in his eight-season NFL career.