‘Miracle in Miami’ Dolphins Running Back Kenyan Drake Announces Retirement

One of the most legendary members of the Miami Dolphins history is calling it a career. Former Miami Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake has announced on his Instagram page that he is stepping away from the NFL.

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According to Drake’s post, “It’s been an incredible ride. Hard to believe 8 seasons have come and gone. I’ve loved the journey – the wins, the moments big and small, the comradery, the energy, all of it. I can’t say I loved everything (if you’ve ever done training camp in Miami you can relate lol), but certainly appreciate the lows and the grind, and know those moments grew me as a football player and more importantly as a person. Ready to enjoy a little retirement and see where the next chapter takes me. Thanks to everyone that was along for the ride with me – wouldn’t change a thing.”

Drake was drafted by the Miami Dolphins at No. 73 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Alabama. The Crimson Tide product secured 225 yards from scrimmage in his rookie season, which included 179 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and 46 receiving yards.

Drake would carve out a significant role for himself on the Dolphins offense, becoming a dual-threat running back and return specialist. Through four years with Miami, Drake secured 2,468 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns.

After the conclusion of the 2018 season, the Dolphins would trade Drake to the Arizona Cardinals at the deadline. Drake would then spend the next one and a half seasons with the Cardinals, the 2022 season with the Baltimore Ravens, split the 2023 season between Green Bay and Baltimore.

On top of being an offensive Swiss army knife for the Dolphins, Drake’s biggest football moment occurred on Dec. 9, 2018, when he won the game on a highly improbable lateral play during the final seconds of the game. The play would come to be known as the “Miracle in Miami.”

During the “Miracle in Miami” play began in the final seconds of the Dolphins and New England Patriots showdown during Week 14.

The Dolphins were losing 33-28 when the final play began. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill initially threw the final pass to wide receiver Kenny Stills, who lateraled the ball to receiver Davante Parker. Parker then laterals the ball to Drake, who begins to weave his way through defenders.

After several great blocks from Dolphins players, Drake would get the inside track on Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski was placed as a defender in the back to prevent Drake from potentially doing exactly what he was good at.

Drake would get past a diving Gronkowski to give the Dolphins one of the most impressive and improbable wins the NFL has ever seen. The final score of 34-33 and the aptly titled “Miracle in Miami” play will forever go down in history.