Maurice Jones-Drew, one of the most productive pro running backs during his prime despite his small stature, has retired from the NFL.
Jones-Drew, who turns 30 this month, announced his retirement Thursday on Twitter.
He wrote, "All good things come to an end!!!" with a longer message contained in the tweet.
All good things come to an end!!! pic.twitter.com/zl6EJQ5SAE
— Maurice Jones-Drew (@Jones_Drew32) March 5, 2015Jones-Drew is known for his eight seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He signed a three-year, $7.5 million deal with Oakland last year. He began the season as the Raiders' starter but broke his hand in Game 1, could not regain his starting job and was buried on the depth chart as the season progressed. Jones-Drew, a Bay Area native, had just 96 yards rushing in what was his final NFL season.
He talked to new Oakland coach Jack Del Rio -- who had coached Jones-Drew in Jacksonville in his prime -- about playing in 2015. However, there was little chance the Raiders would have retained Jones-Drew had he decided to continue to play.
"I have nothing but the utmost respect for Maurice Jones-Drew and wish him the absolute best," Del Rio said in a statement released by the Raiders. "He is one of the top individuals, both on and off of the field, that I have had the privilege of coaching. He's one of my all-time favorites and I truly love the guy."
The 5-foot-7, 210-pound Jones-Drew completed his career with 8,167 rushing yards. It is the sixth-most rushing yards in the NFL over the past nine seasons.
With Jones-Drew retiring and the team officially releasing defensive end LaMarr Woodley on Thursday, Oakland is set to have more than $64 million in salary-cap room when free agency starts Tuesday.
The Raiders will be in the market for a running back in free agency and the draft. Darren McFadden is a free agent and is not expected to be back. Oakland is looking for competition for the promising but green Latavius Murray.
