Veteran running back Darren McFadden has officially announced his retirement from the NFL, just two days after being released by the Dallas Cowboys.
McFadden released a statement today regarding his decision which reads, in part, "I just want to say that I make this decision not with sadness or without further opportunity, but with a couple of days to reflect on how I feel and where I am at this stage of life. I know that this is the right move for me."
The 30-year-old back spent his last three seasons with the Cowboys after his first seven seasons with the Oakland Raiders. McFadden rushed for 1,089 yards and three touchdowns on a career-high 239 carries for Dallas back in 2015, but was relegated to the bench after the Cowboys drafted Ezekiel Elliott in 2016.
With Ezekiel Elliott suspended for six-games it appeared that McFadden might be in line for more of the work share but the team opted to go with just two running backs in veteran Alfred Morris and Rod Smith.
In the statement released today, McFadden says his decision to retire is not met with sadness and he's looking forward to more time with his family.
"Finally, I just want to say that I make this decision not with sadness or without further opportunity, but with a couple of days to reflect on how I feel and where I am at this stage of life," he continued. "I know that this is the right move for me. I look forward to what the future holds -- spending some more time with my family, pursuing some outside interests and, of course, going to a few Arkansas football games! #WPS."
McFadden, who was drafted fourth overall out of Arkansas in 2008, had his best season in 2010 when he compiled a career-high 1,664 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns for the Oakland Raiders.
Check out McFadden's full statement below.
https://twitter.com/_/status/935615902837592064