By Jordan Long
Running back Darren McFadden decided to retire. He was waived by the Cowboys on Sunday. According to ESPN, McFadden said in a statement, “I have been extremely privileged to play in the League a long time and now that time for me is done. I want to thank so many people who have helped me along the way.” How should we remember McFadden?
He was selected by the Oakland Raiders 4th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. The Raiders were hoping that his speed would help them gain yards on the ground to tire out the defense. In his first year, McFadden rushed for 499 yards and 4 touchdowns. His best year in an Oakland uniform was in 2010 when he rushed for 1,157 yards and 7 touchdowns. His average yards per rush was an impressive 5.2. McFadden spent 7 years in Oakland.
On March 2015, the Dallas Cowboys agreed to a 2-year $5.85 million contract with him. They were hoping he would fill the void left by DeMarco Murray who decided to go to Philadelphia.
In his first year, McFadden was the runner the Cowboys hoped for. He ran for 1,089 yards and 3 touchdowns. Last season was one to forget. He only appeared in 3 games for Dallas because of elbow surgery. He had a total of only 87 rushing yards. This season he suited up in 1 game and had -2 yards before the Cowboys decided to release him.
McFadden finishes his career with 5,421 rushing yards and an average yards per rush of 4.2. He also added 28 touchdowns. McFadden always had the speed and the ability to make defenders miss. When he did, it was a long gain for 1st downs or touchdowns. The only problem with him was fumbling with a total of 17 in his career. McFadden was never voted into the Pro Bowl.
He was one of the fastest running backs to play the game for the last 10 years. It wasn’t his fault McFadden was never on a team that went to a Super Bowl. He will go down as a running back who played the NFL game the right way.
How will you remember Darren McFadden?
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