The journey of a professional football player is often marked by resilience, physical toughness, and the constant battle for opportunity. On April 8, 2026, former Las Vegas Raiders running back William Stanback officially announced his retirement from professional football, concluding a career that spanned both the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Stanback's retirement was confirmed in multiple reports, including 3DownNation and Yahoo Sports, marking the end of a seven-season professional career. At 31 years old, Stanback leaves behind a legacy of determination and a rare blend of power running that made him a standout in the CFL and a valued competitor during his time with the Raiders.
A Career Built on Tenacity and Power
Standing 6-foot and weighing 233 pounds, Stanback was known for his physical, north-south running style that emphasized strength and decisiveness over elusive agility. His approach was characterized by a strong pad level, lowering his shoulder into contact and finishing runs with authority, qualities that earned him CFL All-Star honors and a Grey Cup championship in 2023 with the Montreal Alouettes.
After going undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft following his collegiate career at the University of Virginia and later the University of Massachusetts, Stanback's path to professional football was anything but conventional. He initially signed briefly with the Green Bay Packers but was released before playing a regular-season game. He then found success in Canada, where his powerful rushing style flourished.
His standout performance north of the border caught NFL attention again, leading to a short stint with the Baltimore Ravens in 2021. The following year, he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders during their 2022 offseason, aiming to carve out a niche in a highly competitive backfield.
Stanback's Time with the Raiders
When Stanback joined the Raiders, the team was under the leadership of General Manager Dave Ziegler and Head Coach Josh McDaniels, who were looking to revamp their running back room with both talent and toughness. Though the Raiders were anchored by star back Josh Jacobs, the coaching staff sought a complementary power runner who could provide depth and a physical edge.
During the 2022 preseason, Stanback showcased the raw strength and contact balance that made him a CFL standout. In training camp and preseason games held in Henderson, Nevada, he impressed with punishing runs that tested defenses and helped set a tone for the offense. His ability to serve as a short-yardage and goal-line option gave the Raiders an additional dimension, even if it was limited to practice and preseason snaps.
Despite a strong showing, Stanback was ultimately waived during the final roster cuts ahead of the 2022 regular season as the Raiders finalized their 53-man roster. The decision reflected the tough realities of NFL roster management--balancing special teams contributions, positional depth, and long-term team fit. He briefly joined the Raiders' practice squad but was released in September 2022, ending his tenure with the franchise without a regular-season appearance.
Legacy Beyond Las Vegas
Stanback returned to the CFL, rejoining the Montreal Alouettes where he continued to excel, culminating in a Grey Cup championship in 2023. His well-rounded professional career speaks to the increasingly global nature of football talent and the fine margins that separate NFL roster mainstays from those who strive just outside the spotlight.
His journey--from undrafted free agent, to CFL All-Star and champion, to NFL hopeful with the Raiders--embodies the perseverance and heart required to compete across leagues and borders. Stanback's career highlights the specialized roles running backs fulfill and the shrinking number of NFL roster spots available at the position in the modern game.
Looking Ahead
With the Raiders now led by General Manager John Spytek and Head Coach Klint Kubiak, the team's backfield philosophy has evolved since Stanback's time in Las Vegas. The current regime continues the perennial pursuit of a balanced rushing attack but under a different coaching staff and player personnel group.
As William Stanback steps away from professional football, he leaves behind a narrative of grit, adaptability, and achievement. His contributions during his brief tenure with the Raiders in 2022, while limited to offseason and preseason play, reflect a player who challenged teammates and coaches alike to embrace a physical mindset.
The Las Vegas Raiders organization and its fans thank Stanback for his dedication and effort. His retirement not only ends the career of a tough, physical running back but also celebrates the story of an athlete whose tenacity and resilience in pursuit of his dreams resonates beyond the playing field.
William Stanback retires as a CFL two-time All-Star and Grey Cup champion, having achieved success in professional football north and south of the border. His journey reminds football enthusiasts of the diverse paths athletes take, the sacrifices made along the way, and the enduring spirit that defines the game.
The Raiders wish William the very best in his retirement and future endeavors beyond football.