Former Patriots and Ravens RB Danny Woodhead Announces His Retirement

March 19, 2018

Danny Woodhead with the Patriots. Photo by REX/Shutterstock

Running back Danny Woodhead, whose most recent NFL stint was with the Baltimore Ravens, announced his retirement from professional football on Monday. The 33-year-old was released by the Ravens on March 13, 2018, after playing 8 games for the team in the 2017 season and having 15 carries for 56 yards alongside 200 receiving yards.

“10 years! Wow, God had crazy plans for a small little kid from North Platte, NE!” – Woodhead wrote in a statement on his Instagram profile. “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.” You can read Woodhead’s full statement below.

After playing college football at Chadron State, Danny Woodhead entered the 2008 NFL Draft but ended up undrafted. However, shortly after the draft ended, he reached a deal with the New York Jets. After the Jets released him in 2010, he signed with the New England Patriots where he rushed for more than 1,000 yards and had close to 1,000 receiving yards while adding 14 touchdowns during two and a half seasons.

Woodhead then spent four seasons with the San Diego Chargers before signing with the Ravens. During his NFL career, Danny Woodhead managed 2,238 rushing yards and 2,698 receiving yards adding 32 touchdowns combined.

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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