While the Buffalo Bills restructure their squad for the 2024 NFL season, a former player is hanging up his cleats permanently.
Duke Johnson, a running back who spent his final year in the NFL with the Bills, announced his retirement at the age of 30 on Sunday, May 5.
Johnson, who was picked by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft, sent a meaningful statement on Instagram. Johnson released a statement: “8 Years 4 teams with 1 goal in mind, create a better life for my family.”
The Miami alum “never dreamed of being the all-time leading rusher at my dream school or being ranked among the best players to ever come out of South Florida.” I only wanted the chance to play a game and offer a better life for my family, and I was able to accomplish it. I’d want to thank each team for the opportunity to play and represent your company, as well as all of the fans who have supported me through the ups and downs.”
Johnson praised “all my vets” for showing him the “ropes free of charge,” as well as the “little bros who trusted” him as a mentor. “To all my beloved coaches, you know who you are, THANK YOU. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate each and every one of you.
“Last but not least, I want to thank my GOD for allowing me to embark on this adventure and finish it in the same health that I began it in. With that said, I am officially retiring from the NFL. I hope I left you with a lasting impression that goes beyond football. “All of this was for my wife and son.”
Former Bills running back Duke Johnson was a preseason standout in Buffalo.
Johnson played for the Miami Dolphins before joining the Bills in 2022. at five games at Miami, he rushed 71 times for 330 yards and three touchdowns, while also catching four passes for 41 yards.
After arriving in Buffalo, Johnson appeared to be a strong candidate for the 53-man roster. In three preseason games, he carried 21 times for 84 yards and two scores while also returning punts and kickoffs. However, he faced stiff competition from former Bills running back Zack Moss and then-rookie James Cook. After releasing Johnson, the Bills added him to the practice squad the following day.
The Bills activated Johnson for one game, during which he had two carries for four yards. While the San Francisco 49ers offered him to a workout before the 2023 NFL season, he went unsigned last year. Johnson’s NFL career ended with 532 rushes for 2,265 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also had 311 receptions for 2,870 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Bills News: The RBs Room Looks Different. Going into the 2024 NFL Season
Cook appears to be getting his groove as a pass-catching running back and will be Buffalo’s RB1. Ray Davis, whom the Bills drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft, has the potential to make an immediate impact. The Buffalo Bills did not re-sign Leonard Fournette or Latavius Murray.
Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic said, “After bouncing back from being benched, Cook enters his third season as the unquestioned lead back on the roster.”
“[Ty] Johnson returned with a one-year contract and brought spark. His game is more similar to Cook’s, thus he’ll likely play a game-day role when Cook needs a break. The Bills are hoping Davis [sic] can bring the power and short-yardage ability the team has been looking for for years. It’s uncertain how substantial Davis’ involvement will be, but there’s a chance he’ll surpass Johnson on the depth chart before the season starts.”
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