Former Cowboys running back Darren McFadden retires

Darren McFadden has decided to walk away from football.

McFadden announced his retirement on Tuesday, two days after he and the Dallas Cowboys parted ways.

McFadden, 30, spent the final three years of his 10-year career with the Cowboys. He was the league's fourth-leading rusher in 2015 with 1,089 yards, but saw his playing time diminish the previous two seasons.

McFadden played in just three games last season coming off elbow surgery, and was active in just one of the Cowboys' first 11 games this season.

McFadden, the fourth overall pick in the 2008 draft out of Arkansas, finished his career with 5,421 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns. He rushed for 1,000-yards twice (2010 in Oakland and 2015 in Dallas).

In a statement posted to his Twitter account, McFadden thanked his family, coaches and teammates throughout his journey. He mentioned Cowboys running backs coach Gary Brown and the Jones family by name in his statement.

“Finally, I just want to say that I make this decision not with sadness or without further opportunity, but with a couple of days to reflect on how I feel and where I am at this stage of life,” McFadden said. “I know that this is the right move for me. I look forward to what the future holds — spending some more time with my family, pursuing some outside interests and, of course, going to a few Arkansas football games! #WPS.”

This story was originally published November 28, 2017 at 3:41 PM with the headline "Former Cowboys running back Darren McFadden retires."