Former Seahawks RB Justin Forsett announces retirement
May 3, 2017, 9:58 AM | Updated: 11:51 am
Justin Forsett spent four seasons at running back for the Seahawks. (AP)
(AP)
Former Seahawks running back Justin Forsett announced his retirement Wednesday after nine seasons in the NFL.
Forsett rushed for 1,287 yards over four seasons in Seattle, from 2008 to 2011. He spent time on seven teams, most recently with the Ravens, Lions and Broncos in 2016. His best year came for the Ravens in 2014, when he finished fifth in the NFL with 1,266 rushing yards. Forsett finished his career with a combined 5,241 rushing and receiving yards and 20 touchdowns.
It’s been an amazing ride and I’m grateful for every moment the game of football has brought me. ✌🏾https://t.co/HRkDxb5MsD
— Justin Forsett (@JForsett) May 3, 2017
Forsett told 710 ESPN Seattle’s John Clayton on Wednesday that he fondly remembers his time in Seattle with former head coach Mike Holmgren and fellow running back Marshawn Lynch.
“I’ll never forget my time in Seattle, I’ll never forget them giving me my start there with Coach Holmgren and those guys drafting me and believing me and believing me and giving me that shot early on in my career straight out of college. I love Seattle,” Forsett said.
“They’ll always have a special place in my heart – the 12th Man. They were rooting for me in the beginning and they support me now. All those different teams I’ve been to, the 12th Man has been there right with me supporting.”
Forsett announced his retirement on Sports Spectrum, saying: “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 site also includes a video of athletes and coaches saying goodbye to Forsett. The well-wishers include former Seahawks running backs coach Sherman Smith and ex-Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck.
