Former Seahawks running back Justin Forsett announced his retirement from the NFL Wednesday morning, ending a nine-year professional football career that has its roots in the Pacific Northwest.
Drafted in the seventh round of the 2008 draft out of California by Seattle, Forsett played a majority of his first four seasons for the Seahawks. Following a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts at the beginning of his rookie year, Forsett remained with the Seahawks until 2012, racking up 1,287 yards rushing, 730 yards receiving, and eight touchdowns from 2009-11. He spent time with seven NFL teams, most recently last year with the Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, and Baltimore Ravens, a team who Forsett had a breakout year for in 2014 when he ran for 1,266 yards, scored eight touchdowns, led all running backs with 5.4 yards per carry and earned a Pro Bowl nod.
A fan favorite in Seattle (his and Michael Robinson's ‘Shower Pill Dance Off’ video from the 'Real Rob Report' is worth another look), the 31-year-old Forsett made his retirement news known on Twitter, linking to a story with the following statement:
*It's time. I'm officially announcing my retirement from the game I love. It's been an amazing ride and I'm grateful for every moment. My career has brought so many great people into my life, and I asked some of them to join me in saying goodbye. *
*Against all odds, critics, and naysayers, I accomplished something great. Scouts measured my height and said I was too short. They measured my 40-yard dash and said I was too slow. They looked at my build and said I wouldn't last. But they couldn't measure my heart, my faith, and my perseverance. *
I am living proof that dreams come true and God answers prayers, and I thank God everyday for the opportunity to live out my dream.
The story also includes video reaction from some of Forsett's former Seahawks teammates like Aaron Curry, Matt Hasselbeck, and Marshawn Lynch, who Forsett is close friends with from the pair's time at Berkeley.
Here's a look at how current and former Seahawks have reacted to Forsett's news:
Aaron Curry:"Thank you for everything you've done for me and my family. I'm looking forward to what you're doing afterwards."
Matt Hasselbeck:"I want to say congratulations to my good friend, former teammate Justin Forsett on an awesome career."
Marshawn Lynch: "Congratulations on a great career, man."
