Former Vol Arian Foster retires from NFL

After seven remarkable years with the Houston Texans, Arian Foster entered his eighth year as a Miami Dolphin, his first with the team. Unfortunately, due to a groin injury that’s lingered all season, in addition to his injury-plagued 2015 season, Foster announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday.

Foster will be not only be remembered for his play on the field, but his genuine, yet interesting personality. His intellect and awareness on social issues made him an entertaining sports figure to follow. In 2012, Sporting News did a story on him labeling him “the most interesting man in the NFL.”

Foster also serves as an inspiring story for young athletes. The former Vol went from undrafted to winning a rushing title in just two shorts year. In regards to his achievements on the football field, he’s second on the all time leaderboard for rushing yards in Tennessee history. He finished with 2,964 yards, only 100 yards off the all time leader (Travis Henry). 2007 was Foster’s best season as a Vol, totaling over 1,500 yards from scrimmage (1,193 rushing 340 receiving) while adding 14 touchdowns.

In addition, Foster is the best running back in Houston Texans’ short history. He’s their all time leader in rushing yards (6,472 yards) is more than 3,000 yards than the player in second place. His 54 touchdowns is 30 more than any other Texan in the team’s history. His best season as a pro came in 2010, where he finished with over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns. Not only was this his lone rushing title, Foster, a four-time pro bowl selection, was awarded first team all pro recognition that year, his only year earning that feat (he was a second-team all-pro in 2012).

Edited by David Bradford

Featured image by Al Guel