Ex-Las Vegas Raiders running back Jalen Richard has announced he’s retiring from football at the age of 30.
The former undrafted free agent hasn’t been on an NFL roster for the past two years and has opted to walk away altogether, though he is keen on remaining in the sport given his coaching ambitions.
“I retire today with gratitude and excitement to know I won’t be losing the game but just transitioning to continue to leave a mark on the game,” he wrote as part of a heartfelt Instagram post on Thursday. “Here’s to retirement and chasing the new dream! Coach Richard loading …..”
Richard was signed by the Raiders in 2016 and snatched the opportunity with both hands after going undrafted, recording 84 yards on just three carries in his debut. He is one of just four NFL players who have rushed for more than 75 yards in their first game.
While the team hardly relied on him as a rusher, Richard kept his roster spot because of his abilities in pass protection and as a receiver. He recorded 68 catches for 607 yards in 2018.
He was also on the only two Raiders teams to have made the playoffs since 2002.
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Former Las Vegas Raiders Teammates Had Kind Words For Jalen Richard
Jalen Richard’s former Las Vegas Raiders teammates congratulated the former RB on his retirement and wished him well.
“My Brother, congrats & continue being YOU. Love You Gang,” defensive end Maxx Crosby wrote.
“Congratulations on a hell of a career I’m glad I got to witness it I still remember that Saints game where you took that thang to the house and started our comeback rally,” said former Raiders offensive lineman Donald Penn.
Former Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper had some kind words for him, too.
“Congrats fam, you showed up and showed out against all odds,” Cooper, now with the Cleveland Browns, commented. “Major respect!”
Derek Carr commented with a goat emoji.
The aforementioned are only a few of the players who shared comments on the back of the announcement.
At 5 feet 8 inches tall, it was always going to be difficult for Richard to thrive in the NFL, yet he did very well for himself, considering where he came from, and he can look back on his career with pride.
We wish him the best in his endeavors.
