Chris Ogbonnaya retires after six NFL seasons
Free-agent running back Chris Ogbonnaya announced on Friday that he will be hanging up the cleats after six seasons. After a solid 2013 campaign, the 29-year-old ran for 50 yards in five games with the Carolina Panthers and was with the New York Giants for the final two weeks of the 2014 season. With a pool of talented veteran tailbacks still on the market the likes of Chris Johnson, Pierre Thomas, Steven Jackson, etc., Ogbonnaya opted for retirement instead.
The career journeyman took to his Instagram page to share the news.
A seventh-round pick from the University of Texas in 2011 by the St. Louis Rams, Ogbonnaya came out of college with so-so rushing numbers, but made a name for himself around his dual-threat capabilities as a short yardage option on the ground as well as a back with good receiving hands out of the backfield. He combined for 913 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns in his senior season with the Longhorns.
Dec 8, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich (50) tackles Cleveland Browns full back Chris Ogbonnaya (25) for a loss during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Ogbonnaya played for five NFL teams (Rams, Panthers, Giants, Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans) over the course of his career, spending three years and 42 of his 53 career games in a Browns uniform. His career totals add up to 1,454 total yards from scrimmage (710 yards rushing, 714 yards receiving) and scored four touchdowns.
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While he was never a dominant back, his abilities as a versatile fullback transferred to the NFL. Ogbonnaya had his best season with Cleveland in 2013, when he rushed for 240 yards and a touchdown on 49 attempts while catching 48 passes for 343 yards and two scores for the team that season.
Hence the door closes on Ogbonnaya’s six-year career. Of course, it today’s NFL world where players return after one-year hiatuses, the book might not be quite finished being written just yet.
Next: Any Room in Today’s NFL For a Comeback?
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