Former Southern Miss running back Jalen Richard is hanging up the cleats after a six-year NFL career.
Following a standout stint in Hattiesburg, the Louisiana native found a home with the Las Vegas Raiders. He signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Raiders in 2016, then located in Oakland, and quickly cemented himself as a key piece of the offense.
He amassed 4,555 all-purpose yards, hauled in seven touchdowns, and played in two playoff games in the six-year span. On Instagram last week, Richard announced his retirement.
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“I can’t put into words what playing the game was for me,” Richard said in the post. “The football field was a place of war and chaos that I felt calm and natural in… A Louisiana kid with a big dream that I made a reality.”
Although he didn’t catch on with another team last year, Richard had staying power at football’s highest level. His six-year career more than doubled the average career length for NFL running backs, which is 2.57 years according to league data.
In his final year at Southern Miss, Richard surpassed 1,000 yards and tallied 14 touchdowns — the fourth-most in a single season in program history. He accomplished the feat alongside fellow former Golden Eagle turned NFL ball carrier Ito Smith.
Richard now sets his sights on a coaching career, saying his retirement is a transition to leaving a mark on football in a different way.
“Here’s to retirement and chasing the new dream,” he concluded.
