Danny Woodhead Announces His Retirement From The NFL

Robert Alvarez

6 years ago at 2:04 pm ET

David Butler II - USA TODAY Sports

After 10 professional seasons in the NFL includng three seasons with the New England Patriots, running back Danny Woodhead has decided to retire following his release from the Baltimore Ravens on March 13th.

Woodhead averaged 15 games played over his first five seasons in the NFL with the New York Jets, New England Patriots and San DIego Chargers, but three of his final four seasons were plagued with injuries.

In 2016 Woodhead tore his ACL in Week Two and missed the whole season, a year later in 2017 Woodhead was again placed on Injured Reserve in September with a hamstring injury he suffered on the opening drive of the season but returned for the final eight games.

Some of Woodhead’s best career highlights came during his tenure with the Patriots, including a breakout season in 2010 that saw him play in 14 games and log 97 carries for 547 yards with five rushing touchdowns. He also caught 34 passes for 379 yards and one receiving touchdown that season.

In 2011, Woodhead caught the Patriots first touchdown of the game in Super Bowl XLVI against the New York Giants.

On Instagram Friday night, Woodhead relased a statement thanking the fans, players, and coaches that helped make his NFL career possible.

View this post on Instagram

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