NFL
After seven years DeMarco Murray announces retirement from the National Football League. One of the NFL’s top talents for many years, Murray collected accolade after accolade as he created a name for himself as one of the premier backs in the league. Murray used a signature mix of speed and strength to run by and through linebackers and defensive backs making Murray a household name.
2011
In 2011 Murray was named to the NFL All-Rookie team along with big names like A.J. Green, Cam Newton, and Patrick Peterson. That year, he led all rookie running backs in yards per attempt with 5.5, only trailing Fred Jackson for most in the league (for a running back). This rookie season was the start of a special career.
2013
In 2013 he was selected for his first career Pro Bowl. His performance that year also earned him a spot on the list of NFL Top 100 Players of 2014. That 2013 season was the first year he started getting serious recognition around the league. He placed top five among running backs in touchdowns, yards per game, and yards per attempt.
2014
2014 was Murray’s year to assert his dominance in the league. His stats were off the charts. He led all running backs in touchdowns, yards per game, and total yards. Opposing teams’ defensive game plans formed around Murray. He was unstoppable. That season he earned himself a multitude of honors including a Pro Bowl appearance, First-team All-Pro, and the no. 4 spot on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015 list. Murray joined NFL royalty when he was named AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2014. Other players to win that award include Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Brett Favre, etc.
Former #DallasCowboys RB @DeMarcoMurray, who holds two prestigious team rushing records, retires after seven-year @NFL career.
➡️ https://t.co/A8Ow7bDaGg pic.twitter.com/R3ay2uSCmm
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) July 13, 2018
2015-2017
In 2015 Dallas traded Murray to Philadelphia where his career began to take a turn towards less productivity and less usage. He totaled only 193 rushes as opposed to 392 attempts the year before. He ended up with only 702 yards rushing. That was less than half of the 1,845 from the year before. In 2016 he rebounded by coming in 4th in rushing yards with 1287.
Why Call It Quits?
After seven hard fought years in one of the most punishing sports leagues on the planet, Murray is ready to go home.
“Physically, mentally, and emotionally, I think it’s time for me to hang it up.”
This is how he put it when he announced his big news to the world on ESPN’s NFL Live. Seven years to us fans may not seem like a long time, but for most players, during those grinding NFL seasons, it’s tough being away from family.
Murray went on to mention,
“I want to have the chance to raise my family the right way.”
In order to do that, he has to walk away from the game. One of the toughest things to do as a player is to walk away from the game. It is DeMarco Murray’s time, and players and fans will sorely miss him.
