Former Las Vegas Raiders running back Jalen Richard has announced his retirement from the NFL. The former undrafted free agent hasn’t been on an NFL roster for the last two seasons and has walked away from football at age 30.
“I retire today with gratitude and excitement to know I won’t be losing the game but just transitioning to continue to leave a mark on the game,” Richard wrote in a July 18 Instagram post. “Here’s to retirement and chasing the new dream! Coach Richard loading …..”
Richard only ever played games for the Raiders. He was signed by the team as an undrafted free agent in 2016. He quickly carved out a role and had 84 rushing yards on just three carries in his first-ever game against the New Orleans Saints. He is one of only four players to have a 75-yard or more rushing touchdown in his NFL debut.
Outside his rookie season, the Raiders never relied on Richard to run the ball much. However, he maintained a roster spot due to his strong pass protection and ability to make plays in the passing game. In 2018, he had 68 catches for 607 yards. He was also on the only two Raiders teams that have made the playoffs since 2002.
The odds were always against Richard, as he’s only 5-foot-8 and went to a small school, The University of Southern Mississippi. Even though he couldn’t land on a roster the last two seasons, his career was certainly a success considering where he came from.
Former Teammates Show Jalen Richard Love
Judging by the reaction to Richard’s retirement, he was a beloved teammate. The comments on his Instagram post were flooded with kind words.
“My Brother, congrats & continue being YOU. Love You Gang,” Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby wrote in a comment.
Former Raiders offensive lineman Donald Penn, who was with Richard during his rookie season, also commented.
“Congratulations on a hell of a career I’m glad I got to witness it I still remember that Saints game where you took that thang to the house and started our comeback rally,” Penn wrote.
Even former Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper left a comment for the running back.
“Congrats fam, you showed up and showed out against all odds,” Cooper wrote. “Major respect!”
Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr commented a goat emoji and many more players showed Richard love.
What’s Next for Jalen Richard?
Richard is only 30, so he’s still young enough to make a career change. However, it looks like he plans to still be in the world of football. He mentioned in his retirement announcement that coaching could be what’s next.
“I can’t put into words what playing the game was for me . The football field was a place of war and chaos that I felt calm and natural in ! I gave everything I had on the field for every player I played with and for every coach I played for,” Richard wrote on Instagram. “Football is me through and through ! Because of this I have decided to stay around football and the goal is to become an NFL head coach one day !”
It’s possible Richard could coach in the high school or college ranks, but he could also land as a low-level assistant on an NFL team. He’ll need to start building up his coaching resume before he’ll land any high-level jobs. But Richard could be a name to watch in a few years.
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Former Raiders RB Announces Retirement From NFL