Longtime New England Patriots’ fullback James Develin surprised the football world on Monday when he announced his retirement. Develin, who is turning 32 in July, is retiring after 10 years as a pro.
Develin played only two games in 2019, being sidelined for the majority of the season with a neck injury. The recovery didn’t go well as planned, and the injury ended up influencing his decision to walk away from football.
“Due to unforeseen complications with the injury that ended my season last year, I have decided it is both in my and my family’s best interest to retire from the game of football,” Develin wrote on social media. “I’ve always maintained a belief that in the sport, the team is MUCH more important than myself as an individual … and that belief still rings true, as I have to prioritize my team at home before anything else.”
After going undrafted in 2010, James Develin spent the first two years of his NFL career on Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad. He was picked up by New England Patriots in 2012, and since gave a notable contribution to the team’s running and kicking game thanks to his versatility.
During his time with the Patriots, Develin won three Super Bowl rings and had a Pro Bowl selection in 2017. His career stats include 26 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns alongside 31 receptions for 222 yards.
