Former Alabama running back Kenyan Drake announced his retirement from the NFL after eight seasons on Friday afternoon.
“Hard to believe eight seasons have come and gone,” Drake wrote on his Instagram account. “I’ve loved the journey — the wins, the moments big and small, the comradery, 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.”
In 2023, Drake was on the rosters of four NFL teams and played in three games. He joined the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent on Aug. 5. Released by the Colts on Aug. 27 as they reduced their preseason roster to the regular-season limit, Drake returned to the NFL as a member of the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad on Sept. 20. Released by the Ravens on Oct. 17, Drake joined the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad on Oct. 31. The Browns released Drake on Nov. 28. Drake joined the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5 and was released on Jan. 12.
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Drake was still a free agent when he announced his retirement.
In two games with the Ravens and one with the Packers, Drake had two carries that netted zero yards and caught two passes for 31 yards while playing 17 snaps last season.
In 104 NFL regular-season games, Drake ran for 3,866 yards and 33 touchdowns on 869 carries, caught 218 passes for 1,655 yards and eight touchdowns and returned 41 kickoffs for a 23.5-yard average and one touchdown.
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.
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