DRC retires from the NFL

Former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday morning via his official Instagram account. With the Oakland Raiders dropping to 1-6 after losing in Week 8, the 32-year-old decided it was time to call it a career.

Today i retire, today my nfl journey ends, and i thank god for keep me all these years. A kid with one kid and no college offers lasted 11 years in the NFL. I played in Super Bowls, pro bowls, n did many more in this leauge. I’m at peace with my decision. Y’all may not understand and that’s kool!!! I wanna thank everyone for their support. Never forget MR. Ooouu himself. Yessuh!!!

DRC finished his 11-year career with 449 tackles, 146 passes defensed, 30 interceptions, seven forced fumbles, six defensive touchdowns, and 2.5 sacks. The No. 16 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft made the Pro Bowl twice and was named second-team All-Pro in 2016.

The Eagles were just one of the five teams that DRC played for. He originally began his career with the Cardinals before Philadelphia traded Kevin Kolb (!) to Arizona for DRC and a second-round draft pick. Remember when the Eagles leaked DRC’s jersey prior to the trade? That was right after the lockout ended back in 2011 and the Eagles made a bunch of crazy moves (see: Dream Team). Acquiring DRC made everyone thought the Eagles were out of the running for Nnamdi Asomugha but nope, they got him too. And it worked out so well! (It didn’t.)

The Eagles opted not to re-sign DRC with Chip Kelly taking over as Eagles head coach in 2013. He signed a one-year contract with the Broncos and made it to the Super Bowl with Denver but they lost the big game. DRC then returned to the NFC East to play for the Giants from 2014 through 2017. The Giants cut him earlier this year and DRC ended up signing with the Raiders before ultimately retiring.

DRC was an interesting character. He was clearly talented but questions arose about his effort and “love for the game” at times. A former Eagles employee once told me that Andy Reid wished he was ... more competitive.

Anyway, here’s wishing DRC the best in retirement. He now has more time to drive around in his really cool car.