Former Texan Arian Foster announces his retirement after less than half of an injury-plagued season with the Dolphins.
Running back scored 68 TDs in eight seasons
Former Texans star running back Arian Foster called his own final NFL play Monday night, announcing his retirement, effective immediately, from the Miami Dolphins.
Foster made the announcement on social media via The Uninterrupted.
“There comes a time in every athlete’s career when their ambition and their body are no longer on the same page,” Foster wrote. “I’ve reached that point. It’s hard to write those words because this game has been everything to me … my therapy, my joy, my solace and my enemy. I’ve learned to love every facet of this game, from the peak of accomplishment to the gutter of criticism.
“And it all makes the ride worthwhile. I’ve given a lot to this game and given up a lot for it. But it has returned to me more than I could have ever asked for. Faceless gladiators have been shuffled in and out of this arena for decades, and I’m proud to have taken part in that legacy. My father always said, ‘You’ll know when it’s time to walk away.’ It has never been more clear than right now. I’m walking away with peace.”
After spending seven years with the Texans as their all-time leading rusher after going undrafted out of Tennessee, Foster had been dealing with a groin injury in recent weeks. He missed three games earlier this season.
Foster had been supplanted by emerging standout running back Jay Ajayi in the starting lineup.
In four games and two starts this season, Foster rushed for just 55 yards on 22 carries. He caught six passes for 78 yards.
“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,” Foster wrote. “I want to thank the Miami Dolphins, with everything in me, for allowing me to bow out with grace and making this process as easy as possible. It means everything to my family and I. I’ve created lifelong relationships in my short time there that I’m forever thankful for.”.
Foster endured an injury-plagued season last year where he tore a groin muscle during training camp and underwent surgery before later tearing his Achilles tendon. The Texans released him after the season, and he signed a one-year deal with Miami.
Foster was limited to four games last season, gaining just 163 yards and scoring one touchdown with 22 receptions for 227 yards and two touchdowns. He was just starting to regain his old form when he injured his Achilles against the Dolphins.
Foster retires with 6,527 career rushing yards, 2,346 receiving yards and 68 touchdowns (54 rushing).