Miami Dolphins’ Arian Foster is walking away from the NFL after acquiring several injuries during his short-lived career.
Foster announced his immediate retirement in a statement on Tuesday (Oct. 25) through the website, Uninterrupted. The 30-year-old started as an undrafted rookie in 2009 and was later brought on the Houston Texans’ practice team. He became the league’s top rusher in 2010 with 1,616 rushing yards and was named a pro-bowler three straight years after his stunning breakout season. Once known as one of the league’s best and most dynamic running, Foster joined the Dolphins on a 1-year contract this past off-season after being released by the Houston Texans.
BREAKING NEWS: @ArianFoster announces his retirement on UNINTERRUPTED. His story on why he’s walking away. pic.twitter.com/FK09XpkqUo
— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) October 25, 2016
“There comes a time in every athlete’s career when their ambition and their body are no longer on the same page,” he said in the statement. “I’ve reached that point. I know it’s not commonplace to do it midseason, but my body just can’t take the punishment this game asks for any longer.”
Earlier this year, 6x Pro-Bowler Calvin Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL due to injuries after only nine years in the league. San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Anthony Davis also retired from the NFL after suffering several concussions at the age of 26. Other high-profile players to leave the league at a young age include Marshawn Lynch, Jerod Mayo, Patrick Willis and Jason Worilds.
Great moments will conclude for Foster as he will finish his career with 6,527 rushing yards, 2,346 receiving yards and 68 touchdowns through just 80 games.