Myles Gaskin has officially closed the book on his football career, announcing his retirement from the NFL at just 29 years old. The running back, who spent seven seasons in the league after being selected in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, shared the news with a heartfelt social media post. He spoke of the sport with a deep sense of gratitude, acknowledging that no amount of words could truly capture what the game has meant to him. Rather than trying to explain the feeling, he offered a simple, powerful promise: he intends to pass along everything the game taught him to the next generation of young players who dare to dream big. His message carried the calm certainty of someone who knows he gave his all and is at peace with moving forward. The sport was a huge part of his identity, but his statement reveals a man who is ready to share his experience and mentor others, showing that his impact on the sport will continue far beyond his time on the field.
Gaskin’s final season in the league was a memorable one. He spent time with the Seattle Seahawks, who went on to win the Super Bowl that year. His playing time was limited, appearing in just one game, but even those few moments were a meaningful part of his journey. He took to the gridiron for three offensive snaps, five special teams plays, and carried the ball three times for a total of six yards. While the statistics are small, being part of a championship organization is a testament to his resilience and ability to remain connected to competitive football. It was a different kind of ending than the star player’s farewell, but it was still significant to his own story. He was a part of a winning culture and got to walk off the field with the ring that so many dream of but never achieve. It’s the kind of conclusion that sometimes feels more poetic than a record-breaking final season, embodying the idea that being part of a team that reaches the highest level is just as much a victory as having the most yards or touchdowns.
Growing up in Lynnwood, Washington, Gaskin was a local talent who chose to stay in his home state for college, heading to the University of Washington. There, he wrote his name into the record books. He came in as a true freshman and rushed for 1,302 yards on 227 carries, becoming the first true fighter in school history to surpass the 1,000-yard rushing mark in his inaugural season. It immediately established him as a promising player with a bright future. That record-setting year in 2015 was a harbinger of what was to come. It showed the toughness, vision, and consistency that earned him a place in the national conversation. The fact that he stayed in his home state connected him deeply to his roots, making his college career feel like a foundational chapter in his life, as those years would shape the athlete and the man he would become.
When the Dolphins selected him with the 234th overall pick, Gaskin became a part of an NFL draft process, the seventh round meaning he was expected to fight for a spot. That’s exactly what he did. Over four years in Miami, he worked his way up the depth chart to eventually secure a starting role. But it was in 2021 that he truly had the best season of his career. He ran for 612 yards on 173 carries, scoring three rushing touchdowns, but he also showed his value as a receiver, catching 49 passes for 234 yards and four scores. This versatility was crucial, especially since the Dolphins used a by-committee approach in the backfield. Gaskin didn’t just fit into the scheme, he thrived in it. As a running back, he was expected to be able to do a little bit of everything, whether it was running between the tackles, catching passes out of the backfield, or picking up a blitz. His ability to adapt and contribute in so many ways made him a valuable weapon for Miami.
But the NFL is often a league of constant change, and after his breakthrough year, Gaskin’s career started to become more of a journey through different teams. The Dolphins signed him to a one-year extension in 2023, but he was let go just before the regular season began. It’s the harsh reality of the game, where even proven players can find themselves on the outside looking in, but his story didn’t end. He then was picked up by the Minnesota Vikings, signed quickly, and spent time on their practice squad before being elevated to the active roster and playing on special teams in Week 2. From there, he was signed by the Los Angeles Rams, playing one game in Week 8 before being waived and then finding his way back to Minnesota. This period in his life is a testament to his determination, he refused to give up even when his future was uncertain. Being bouncing around the league means having to quickly adapt to different systems and coaches, a testament to his football awareness and his character.
The next phase of Gaskin’s career took him to several other places, including time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Baltimore Ravens, and then eventually he landed with the Seattle Seahawks in October of 2025. This final move allowed him to return to his home state of Washington, a fitting full-circle moment for a kid who grew up there. He was around for the Seahawks’ eventual Super Bowl victory, which happened in Santa Clara. It was a storybook ending, a journey that began with a state star and college star that came to end with a professional championship title. For his entire NFL career, Gaskin was able to rush for 1,360 and record 102 receptions for 712 yards, scoring 13 total touchdowns. Those numbers are the legacy of a career that’s truly built on his hard work, adaptability, and his unselfishness. The finish of his career, not with disappointment but with a championship, is a poetic end that may have done more than any statistical in history, but instead of craving more, Myles Gaskin is looking forward to mentoring the next generation of players, eager to share all the wisdom he has gathered on his long and winding road. His legacy isn’t just about the touchdowns he scored or the goal-line stands he made, but also about the path he traveled and the lesson he learned—that the game is about persistence, versatility, and acceptance and that every player, no matter how their career unfolds, can make a meaningful impact on the sport they love.
