Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Announces Retirement Midseason

by
Former Writers
October 30, 2018

lechnernn via Flickr

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Retires After 11 Seasons

Oakland Raiders’ cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie announced his retirement on Tuesday via Instagram. NFL Network insider Ian Rappaport confirmed the post. The 32-year old veteran racked up eight tackles and a forced fumble in seven games this season.

#Raiders CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie texts me that he’s retiring… confirming his original report on Instagram that he’s retiring.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 30, 2018

Legacy

Drafted 16th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, the corner played in 160 games throughout his career. Cromartie played with five teams through his 11 seasons in the NFL. Most notably, Cromartie made the Pro Bowl as an Arizona Cardinal in 2009 and as a New York Giant in 2015. In addition, Cromartie received second-team All-Pro honors in 2016, his first time receiving those honors.

The corner has 30 career interceptions under his belt, as well as 147 pass deflections and seven defensive touchdowns. Cromartie posted a career-high six interceptions in 2016, tied for second in the league. The now-retired corner’s six career pick-sixes is a feat that has only been accomplished by 29 other players in NFL history.

The Oakland Experience

Following a release from the Giants in March, fans wondered if Cromartie would play in 2018. That question was answered when the 11-year veteran signed with the Oakland Raiders. Oakland picked up the cornerback to add depth to a core of defensive backs that was lacking.

While Cromartie never started for the team, he played in seven games in the 2018 NFL season. Cromartie only failed to net a snap in Week 8’s matchup against Indianapolis.

The corner is seemingly in a good place as he makes this decision, stating that, “I’m at peace with my decision. Y’all may not understand and that’s kool!!! I wanna thank everyone for their support.” in his Instagram post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpj-Rz_F_fG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The Raiders lost another veteran in wide receiver Amari Cooper via a trade with the Dallas Cowboys just a week ago. This, combined with the Khalil Mack trade, suggested that the Raiders might be tanking.

Oakland already made the entire team “available” for trading. The Raiders are currently 1-6, the third worst record in the NFL.