NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew retires from football

Former Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders running back Maurice Jones-Drew has announced his retirement from the NFL in a statement via Twitter.

Jones-Drew's statement reads:

"After much discussion with my family and business team during this off-season, I've decided to retire from the National Football League. The past nine years were absolutely amazing! I'll be forever grateful to the countless people who have assisted me throughout my NFL career. To my fans and NFL fans worldwide, you are the absolute greatest! But for you, our league would not exist. Football has been a central part of my life for the past 24 years. But now I'm excited about and looking forward to the next chapter of my life."

Maurice Jones-Drew is just 29 years old, but has decided that it is time to move on from football. His whole career, Jones-Drew has been an undersized running back at 5'7″ but has was a dominant back during his time in Jacksonville. Jones-Drew was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2006 out of UCLA, and put up some great numbers as a three-time pro bowler in his time with Jacksonville. Jones-Drew won the NFL rushing title in 2011 where he led running backs with 1,606 yards.

Jones-Drew finished his nine-year career with 8,167 yards rushing and 68 rushing touchdowns. Most of these stats were acquired from his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 2014, Jones-Drew went to the Oakland Raiders where he struggled, starting in just one game and finishing his 12-game season with less than 100 yards and no touchdowns.

Congratulations, MJD.

Maurice Jones-Drew Career Rushing Stats PointAfter

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