DeVante Parker Calls It Quits, Announces Retirement At 31

Two months ago, DeVante Parker signed with the Philidelphia Eagles to be another jump-ball threat for Jalen Hurts and fill in the WR3 role in Nick Sirianni‘s offense.

The former Louisville pass-catcher has retired from the NFL after nine seasons. Parker first announced his decision to ESPN and said family became the most significant factor in ending his playing career.

“I want to see my kids, spend quality time with them. I want to be there for them whenever I can,” Parker told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Parker began his career with the Miami Dolphins, who took him with the 14th pick in the 2015 NFL draft. The South Florida squad sought him out for his ability to play above the rim, use his 6’3″ frame to box out corners and win jump balls. He had a tumultuous time with the Dolphins, as he only played one full season with them due to injury, but he did rack up 1,202 yards in that year, his only time crossing the 1,000-yard threshold in his career.

After seven years in the 305, Parker took his talents north and signed with the New England Patriots in 2021 for three years and $33 million. However, he never found his footing as the offense crumbled around Mac Jones the last couple of seasons. The Patriots asked too much of Parker, wanting him to be a true #1 WR, and his production suffered. After two seasons first-year head coach Jerod Mayo decided to release Parker.

The WR continues a trend around the league of retiring early. At the beginning of the off-season, DT Aaron Donald chose to hang up the cleats after ten years in the NFL without any known long-term injury history. With an extra game added to the schedule a few years ago, playing football will only take a greater beating on these athletes.