GLENDALE – A former Arizona Cardinals All-Pro is suiting back up, but not for the football field. Eight-year NFL pro running back David Johnson has spent the past year of his retirement getting into the best shape of his life to compete in the New York City Marathon. Johnson spoke with Jake Garcia at 12SportsAZ about the process of preparing for the marathon and a possibly return to the Cardinals backfield.
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Dec 8, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) looks on prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Johnson on how he’s prepared for NYC Marathon:
Johnson last played in the NFL in 2022 with the New Orleans Saints. The 33-year-old was on top of the world in his sophomore year in Arizona, having 2,118 scrimmage yards and being named a Pro Bowler and All-Pro. However, the following season, Johnson dislocated his wrist in Week 1 that required surgery and ended his year quickly.
Despite never reaching the heights of his masterful 2016 season, Johnson remained a solid running back for the franchise until 2019. In 2020,Johnson was a part of the trade that landed Arizona Houston Texans All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter October 13, 2019.
Falcons Vs Cardinals
In this latest interview, Johnson doesn’t appear to hold any hard feelings towards the Cardinals and would be open for a return. Arizona has been destroyed on the injury front in the running back room, losing James Conner and Trey Benson for an extended period of time. A Johnson return seems unlikely, but he doesn’t seem concern about that, preparing to run in his first ever marathon in New York City this weekend.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
