The 52-yard miracle that defined a career
In short: In the final seven seconds of a 2018 thriller, Kenyan Drake turned a desperate lateral sequence into a 52-yard touchdown. It was the peak of a high-impact NFL career marked by explosive plays, sudden injuries, and a journey through five different franchises.
Kenyan Drake’s professional journey was defined by moments of extreme brilliance and physical setbacks. After a standout collegiate career at the University of Alabama under Nick Saban, where he famously returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship, Drake entered the NFL as a third-round pick for the Miami Dolphins in 2016. His tenure in Miami included the legendary 'Miracle in Miami' in 2018, a play involving multiple laterals that culminated in his 52-yard score to defeat the New England Patriots 34–33.
However, the physical toll of the position was evident throughout his eight seasons. Drake’s trajectory was frequently interrupted by significant injuries, including a broken leg during his junior year at Alabama in 2014 and a broken arm during his senior season in 2015. His professional career saw similar struggles, such as a broken right ankle in 2021 while playing for the Las Vegas Raiders, which ultimately led to him being placed on injured reserve.
After departing Miami, Drake played for various teams, such as the Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, and Arizona Cardinals. While he demonstrated consistent ability—notably recording 817 rushing yards and eight touchdowns during his 2019 season with the Cardinals—the volatility of roster moves and injuries eventually led to his retirement from professional football in July 2024. His career remains a testament to the high-stakes, high-impact nature of life as an NFL running back.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Kenyan Drake
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-kenyan-drake.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
