Patriots fullback James Develin announced Monday he is retiring due to “unforeseen complications” with the season-ending neck injury he suffered last year.
“I have decided it is both in my and my family’s best interest to retire from the game of football,” he wrote in a lengthy note shared on social media.
Develin, 31, who signed with the Patriots in 2012, played in only two games last season before getting placed on injured reserve in September. Prior to 2019, he had appeared in all 16 games for five straight seasons.
During his seven-year tenure in New England, Develin won three Super Bowl titles, serving primarily as a blocker and goal-line specialist.