In June, former Texans running back Derrick Ward said he was going to take some time to evaluate his options after learning the team did not want him back for the 2012 season.

On Tuesday, Ward took to Twitter to announce his decision that he would be retiring from the NFL

To all my fans just wanted to let u know its been a great ride the last 9yrs but I’m calling it a career. I thank u all for believing in me!

— Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) July 3, 2012

 Ward spent nine years in the NFL with the Giants, Buccaneers and Texans after being drafted by the Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 Draft. The Giants signed him off of their co-tenants’ practice squad in October of his rookie year and he gradually worked his way into the backfield mix. His best season came in 2008 when he ran for 1,025 yards as part of the Earth, Wind and Fire backfield with Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs.

Ward parlayed that year into a four-year deal with the Buccaneers, but got cut after one disappointing season that resulted in just 409 yards. Ward ran for 469 yards as a reserve with the Texans during the last two seasons and, at 31, didn’t get too many more looks from a league slanted toward younger running backs.

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