Cleveland Browns helmet on the field. Former Browns RB Duke Johnson announced his retirement. Cleveland Browns helmet (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)


A veteran NFL running back has surprisingly announced his retirement this Sunday.

Duke Johnson, who spent most of his career with the Cleveland Browns, is hanging up the cleats after eight seasons.

The former University of Miami standout, a third-round pick in 2015, also played for the Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, and Buffalo Bills. His two 100-yard outings came with Miami in 2021; he rushed for 107 yards against the New York Jets in December and 117 yards against the New England Patriots in the final game of the regular season.

Duke Johnson’s Retirement Post

Duke Johnson, 30, shared a lengthy post on Instagram where he claimed he was going out on his own terms without grudges. He also thanked his former teams for allowing him to represent them.

“8 years, four teams, with 1 goal in mind, create a better life for my family. I never dreamed of being the all time leading rusher of my dream school or being somewhere on the list of all time players to come out of South Florida,” he wrote.

“I just wanted an opportunity to play a game to provide a better life for my family and I was able to do just that. I want to thank each team for giving me the chance to play and represent your organization and all the fans that supported me through the highs and the lows.”


Duke Johnson rushed for a total of 2,265 yards and 11 touchdowns, catching 311 passes for an additional 2,870 yards and 12 scores through the air.

We wish him the very best in retirement.