David Johnson Retires, Let's Remember The Year He Won Fantasy Football Leagues For Players
NFL running back David Johnson, who played eight seasons from 2015-22 for the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints, announced his retirement on Sunday.
He posted a lengthy message on his Instagram, along with pictures from throughout his football career.
"Who would have thought this kid would be the first pro athlete to come out of small town Clinton, IA," Johnson wrote.
"I would not have been able to do any of this without God's good grace! He did it all, so a kid who didn’t have much, was given a chance to do what most can’t. I’m looking forward to my next career path in life. I don’t know exactly what that will be, but I hope it will bring me the same passion, excitement, and love as football did!"
Johnson made an immediate impact as a rookie with the Arizona Cardinals, catching a touchdown pass in his first game before having a rushing touchdown and kickoff return touchdown in his second game. He became the first player in NFL history to have a rushing, receiving and kickoff return touchdown in his first two career games.
But most NFL fans are probably familiar with Johnson from his unbelievable 2016 season, during which he most definitely helped many fantasy football players capture their league championship.
That year, Johnson's second in the league, the running back led the league with 373 touches, 2,118 yards from scrimmage and 20 rushing and receiving touchdowns. He caught 80 passes to lead all running backs.
David Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald formed an incredible duo for the Arizona Cardinals and fantasy football managers back in 2016.
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
In leagues that use PPR scoring, Johnson amassed over 400 fantasy points. The next-highest scoring running back, Ezekiel Elliot, finished under 330 points. He led the third-best running back, LeSean McCoy, by over 100 points.
Johnson led all players, quarterbacks included, in fantasy scoring that season. That's how you help fantasy football players win league championships.
Unfortunately for Johnson, and fantasy football players, he suffered a season-ending injury in the first game of the 2017 NFL season. He returned in 2018 to post a solid season, but never got back to his incredible highs of 2016.
Still, it's worth taking a moment to remember just how incredible he was during that 2016 season. Johnson was a fun player to watch in the NFL and I hope he enjoys his well-earned retirement.