NFL retirement from former Husker announced his decision on social media

Rex Burkhead, a former running back for Nebraska, announced his retirement from professional football on Monday afternoon, formally hanging up his cleats.

Burkhead thanked several people in his life, including his wife, children, and former colleagues, when he made his choice public on social media.

The 33-year-old Burkhead, who last participated in an NFL game in 2022, spent ten seasons playing for three different clubs. Burkhead, a 2013 sixth-round selection by the Cincinnati Bengals, ran for 1,908 yards and 17 touchdowns in 114 career games for the Bengals, Patriots, and Texans. In addition, Burkhead recorded nine touchdowns and 1,534 yards from 192 catches as a pass receiver out of the backfield.

In 2017, Burkhead enjoyed his finest season as a professional. He led the Patriots to a Super Bowl triumph and ran for 264 yards and five scores. He also added 30 receptions for 254 yards and three touchdowns.

Burkhead had one of the best all-around careers in Husker history while attending Nebraska. He finished his career ranked among the top five rushers in program history and was named to the first team of the Big Ten in 2011.

At Nebraska, Burkhead participated in 44 games, starting 22 of them. In addition to 60 receptions for 507 yards and five touchdowns, he rushed 635 times for 3,329 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Had he not been limited to parts of eight games during his senior season due to a nagging knee ailment, Burkhead’s career stats at Nebraska would have probably been even higher. That season, he rushed 98 times for 675 yards and five touchdowns.