After six seasons in the NFL, running back Rashaad Penny has decided to hang up his cleats. The 28-year-old was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round in 2018 but spent the last year with the Carolina Panthers.
Former Seattle Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 28. The Panthers placed him on the reserve/retired list earlier this week after failing to meet expectations in training camp.
Penny was drafted by the Seahawks with the 27th overall pick in 2018. He showed promise early on, rushing for over 1,000 yards in his rookie season. However, injuries plagued him throughout his career, and he was never able to consistently stay on the field.
Seahawks' Rashaad Penny Retires at 28
In 2021, Penny played in just 10 games but had his most productive season, rushing for 749 yards and scoring six touchdowns. He also caught 22 passes for 198 yards.
However, Penny suffered a broken fibula in Week 5 of the 2022 season and missed the rest of the year. He signed a one-year contract with the Eagles last March but only appeared in three games, rushing for 33 yards on 11 carries.
Seahawks' Rashaad Penny Retires at 28
Penny then signed with the Panthers in May but reportedly failed to impress in training camp. He admitted that he was no longer feeling himself physically and that his body was not responding the way he wanted it to.
"I've known Rashaad at his best," said Panthers head coach Dave Canales, who coached Penny with the Seahawks. "It was really a cool opportunity to see if we could get him to that kind of look. He came up and just felt he wasn't himself. I had to respect that going forward."
Seahawks' Rashaad Penny Retires at 28
Penny's retirement is a surprising one, given that he was just 28 years old and had shown flashes of being a talented running back. However, injuries and his inability to stay healthy have forced him to call it quits.
The Panthers still have depth in the running back room, with Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, and rookie Jonathan Brooks on the roster. Penny's retirement leaves a hole in their lineup but also opens up an opportunity for another player to step up.
Penny's NFL career may have been cut short, but he leaves behind a legacy as a talented running back who never gave up on his dreams. He overcame adversity and injuries to achieve success at the highest level, and he will always be remembered for his determination and perseverance.
