Dolphins RB Arian Foster announces retirement after latest injury
Miami Dolphins running back Arian Foster has announced his retirement after suffering another lower body soft-tissue injury.
Foster wrote the following statement for Uninterrupted on Monday night.
“There comes a time in every athlete's career when their ambition and their body are no longer on the same page,” Foster writes. “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 been fortunate enough to play many successful years in this league. 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. 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. 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. Every athlete would love to g out as a Super Bowl MVP, riding off into the sunset with the crowd cheering their name. Unfortunately, life has other plans and they're usually opposite the imagination. But that imagination got me this far and I could not be prouder of the things my teammates and I accomplished in this game. I'd like to send a sincere thank you to all those who I've come in contact with throughout this journey. This is a beautifully violent game and the same reason I loved it is why I have to walk away. That bittersweet taste will forever linger with me, but on my next journey, I get to carry those memories with me. Hopefully. lol"
Foster spent the first seven years of his career with the Houston Texans where he rushed for 6,472 of his 6,527 career yards. He scored all 54 of his touchdowns with the Texans.
Last season, Foster only played in four games as he he attempted to recover from a torn groin in training camp and later tore his right Achilles tendon in October. He had already suffered a torn meniscus, a back injury and several hamstring injuries in his career.
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In July, he signed a one-year contract with the Dolphins worth about $1.5 million with incentives that could reach $3.5 million.
He retires as a four-time Pro Bowler. The Texans signed Foster as an undrafted free agent in 2009.
His best season is arguably his 2010 campaign in which he won the rushing title with 1,616 yards on 327 carries.
