The Atlanta Falcons today announced that running back Jason Snelling will retire from the NFL after seven seasons.
"I have decided to retire after seven years in the NFL to spend time with my family," Snelling said. "I want to thank Mr. Blank, Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith for providing me the opportunity to play for the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons are a first class organization run by a first class owner and I am grateful that I got to spend my entire career in Atlanta."
Snelling was selected by the Falcons in the seventh round (244th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia. He totaled 363 carries for 1,420 yards with eight touchdowns and a career average of 3.9 yards per carry. The versatile runner also added 168 receptions for 1,249 yards and nine touchdowns as a receiver out of the backfield. In 2013, Snelling ran for 164 yards on 44 carries with one touchdown in 14 games. He also added 29 catches for 216 yards and three touchdowns in the passing game.
"Jason was a good teammate and a joy to coach," Falcons head coach Mike Smith said. "He played a number of roles for our team during his time here and was always ready when his number was called. We want to thank Jason for his contributions to our team and we wish him the best in his future endeavors."
The Toms River, NJ native earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after posting a career-high 186 all-purpose yards against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2 of the 2010 season. Snelling scored a pair of rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown while racking up 129 yards on 24 carries and 57 yards on five receptions. He saw his most extensive action during the 2009 season when he made two starts and set career highs with 142 carries, 613 yards, and four touchdowns.
