Many people around the NFL were surprised on Monday night when Dolphins running back Arian Foster announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 30. It shouldn’t be a surprise.  Foster was nowhere near the player he was in 2010 and 2011.

Foster just didn’t have it physically and you can see it from the first moment he stepped on the field with the Dolphins. He just wasn’t the same back he in Houston.

For a five year period from 2010 to 2014, Foster was arguably the most productive running back in the NFL. Foster averaged 115.2 yards per game, scored 65 touchdowns, rushed for an average of 84.7 yards per game and had 31 one hundred yard rushing games. Those are Hall of Fame worthy numbers when you compare Foster’s first five years in the league to other elite backs.

The wear and tear of getting so many touches caught up with him and his body started breaking down. At 6-1 225, Foster was a big back and because of that, he took a lot of hits. Those hits took their toll on him physically.

With the emergence of Jay Ajayi in Miami, Foster knew he wasn’t going to get touches and made the decision to walk away. I don’t blame him. The body can only take so much punishment.

Foster was a great player and while I didn’t agree with his antics off the field, I respect him. He will be missed. Both in fantasy (football) and reality.