Former Patriots running back Damien Harris announces retirement
Harris led the Patriots in rushing yards during both the 2020 and 2021 season.
After five seasons in the NFL, former Patriots running back Damien Harris announced his retirement Monday night.
“For the past 20 years, playing the game of football has been one of the greatest privileges in my life,” Harris wrote in a statement on his Instagram account. “Today I am grateful I have found the strength to walk away from a game I love so much.”
Harris spent four seasons in New England after the Patriots picked him in the third round (No. 87th overall) of the 2019 NFL draft. A product of Nick Saban’s Alabama system, he quickly distinguished himself as the Patriots’ top option at the position.
From 2019-2022, Harris rushed for 2094 yards, on 449 attempts with 20 touchdowns. The former Patriot also caught 40 passes for 281 yards during his time in New England.
Ahead of the 2023 season, the 27-year-old signed a one-year contract to join the AFC East Rival Buffalo Bills. His last season was cut short during Week 6, however, when a collision with Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke resulted in a neck injury.
Harris expressed “gratitude” for his former teammates and coaches, giving a special shoutout to the two men who shaped his career the most.
“Being coached by the two greatest head coaches of all time in Nick Saban and Bill Belichick are all just a small part of what God has done in my life with the game of football,” he wrote.
Now Harris seems to be embracing fatherhood following the birth of his son, Damien Javon Harris II, earlier this month. “Thank you Father, for allowing me to be a father,” Harris wrote to announce his newborn’s arrival.
Harris appeared in a total of 44 games throughout his career, tallying 2,188 yards and 21 touchdowns. The former Patriot also caught 42 passes on 53 targets for 297 yards.
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