Woodhead announces retirement days after being released by Ravens

Just days after being released by the Ravens, veteran running back Danny Woodhead is calling it a career.
Despite reports this week of other teams being interested in his services, the 33-year-old announced he was retiring from the NFL on his Instagram account. In nine seasons spent with the New York Jets, New England, San Diego, and Baltimore, the 5-foot-8, 204-pound Woodhead rushed for 2,238 yards and 15 touchdowns and caught 300 passes for 2,698 yards and 17 touchdown receptions.
The Ravens signed Woodhead to a three-year, $8.8 million deal last March to serve as the pass-catching threat out of the backfield that he’d been at previous stops, but a serious hamstring injury sustained on the opening drive of the season cost him eight games and he finished with just 33 receptions for 200 yards and no touchdowns. It was an unfortunate pattern in the latter stages of his career as the former rookie free agent from Chadron State played in just 29 games over the last four seasons.

10 years! Wow, God had crazy plans for a small little kid from North Platte, NE! It’s been a wild ride and feel so blessed He allowed me to do what I loved for so long. But now it’s time to say goodbye to the game I love. First, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Without Him my career wouldn’t have been possible. He blessed me with the gifts and He paved the way. All I had to do was follow His plans for my life, and His plans were crazy awesome! Next, I want to thank my wife who has been by my side since freshman year of high school. She has been a rock through all the ups and downs. Sis, Willy, Mae Mae, and Hopie your daddy is going to be home a ton more and I can’t wait! Thanks to my Dad and Mom for always supporting me and showing me that God is first, then everything else will fall into place. Ben, Joel, and Anna thanks for preparing me for the NFL in our backyard games growing up. The dreaded in-laws Steve and Suzie for always being there for me. Chris Gittings (agent) you’re the best and thankful your my brother/uncle! Thank you Jets, Patriots, Chargers, and Ravens! Thanks to all my head coaches (Bob Zohner, Brad Smith, Bill O’Boyle, Eric Mangini, Rex Ryan, Bill Belichick, Mike McCoy, and John Harbaugh) who believed in me! To my rbs coaches (coach skiles, coach reiners, Jimmy Raye, A Lynn, Ivan, Ollie, Ridge, and Thomas) thanks for putting up with me. Thanks to all my teammates from high school till now. Without you guys I never would’ve become who I was as a player. To all my olinemen, you guys deserve the credit for anything that I received credit for. I thank you for helping make my career. To all the trainers, team docs, strength coaches, chiropractors, massage therapists, physical therapists, body gurus thanks for making sure I was on the field. To all the people who made my life easier at the facility (ops, pr, equipment staff, cafe workers, custodians) thanks and your work doesn’t go unnoticed. And how could i forget all my fans?! You’re the best and have always felt the love and support! I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few but know that I’m thankful for everything everyone has done on my journey.

A post shared by Danny Woodhead (@teamwoody39) on Mar 16, 2018 at 9:25pm PDT