In 2014, Justin Forsett was one of the best backs in football, racking up 1,266 yards on a whopping 5.4 yards per carry. His Pro Bowl season powered the Baltimore Ravens to a deep playoff run, nearly knocking off the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots along the way.

In 2015, Forsett turned 30.

In 2016, Forsett had a cup of coffee with the Detroit Lions as part of a three-team, 291-yard campaign.

Wednesday, Forsett retired:

It's been an amazing ride and I'm grateful for every moment the game of football has brought me. ✌🏾https://t.co/HRkDxb5MsD — Justin Forsett (@JForsett) May 3, 2017

As if it weren’t already clear that running backs have a short shelf life, and investing in a veteran is always a short-run investment, Forsett retiring just two seasons after his breakout year should make those facts absolutely clear.

From the Pro Bowl to unable to hold onto a depth spot on three squads in need of tailback depth is a swift fall indeed.

But Forsett played in four playoff games over nine seasons, racking up 5,241 yards from scrimmage along the way. Any seventh-round pick would be glad to have that kind of career.

Even though only 53 of those yards were gained while he wore Honolulu Blue, Lions Wire salutes Justin Forsett for making his dream (and, let’s face it, many of our dreams) come true.