Jets running back Bilal Powell retires at age 33

Bilal Powell (left) (All-Pro Reels, Wikimedia Commons)

According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, New York Jets running back Bilal Powell has retired at the age of 33. The native of Lakeland, Florida played nine straight seasons with the Jets from 2011 to 2019.

Powell was a free agent after the 2019 National Football League season, but was unable to sign with another franchise over the last two years. On Tuesday, he signed a one-day contract and retired.

In nine NFL seasons, Powell had 850 rushes for 3675 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. He also had 211 catches for 1600 receiving yards and five more touchdowns.

Powell’s finest season with the Jets from a running perspective came in 2017. That year he had career highs in rushing yards (772), and rushing touchdowns (five).

Powell also had a fine 2016 NFL season. That year he had 131 rushes for 722 yard and three touchdowns, along with a career high with 58 catches. Powell’s 388 receiving yards tied a career high from 2015. Powell’s 1110 yards from scrimmage also led the Jets in 2016.

For the majority of his career, Powell was the Jets backup running back as he only started 38 of 109 games. However, due to the fact he ended up playing nine seasons in New York, Powell is eighth all-time in Jets rushing yards. He is behind Curtis Martin (10302 yards), Freeman McNeil (8074 yards), Emerson Boozer (5135 yards), Matt Snell (4285 yards), Johnny Hector (4280 yards), John Riggins (3880 yards), and Thomas Jones (3833 yards).

The Jets number one running back at this time is Michael Carter. With the NFL Draft taking place on Thursday, do not be surprised to see the Jets draft a receiver to give quarterback Zach Wilson more help this upcoming year.

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