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Former Patriots, Bills RB Damien Harris announces retirement from NFL

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Sophie Weller | Last updated 3/25/24

Damien Harris is officially hanging up his cleats.

The 27-year-old running back announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday night on his Instagram.

"For the past 20 years, playing the game of football has been one of the greatest privileges of my life," Harris said in a statement. "Getting to represent the name on the back of my jersey on and off the field, getting to compete at the highest level with and against the best competitors while winning championships, and being coached by the 2 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."

Harris was drafted by the Patriots in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft and spent four years with New England. However, ahead of the 2023 season, he signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills.

His breakout season with the Patriots was in 2021, when he finished with 202 carries for 929 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. However, injuries have hindered his career.

And during his first year in Buffalo, Harris was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season after suffering an injury during the Bills Week 6 matchup against the New York Giants.

Harris became a free agent at the end of the season, but has decided that his time as a player has come to an end.

Former Patriots RB Damien Harris announces his retirement from the NFL pic.twitter.com/XdiBShATVq
— Sophie Weller (@sophieewellerr) March 25, 2024

Here is his full statement:

"For the past 20 years, playing the game of football has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.

"Getting to represent the name on the back of my jersey on and off the field, getting to compete at the highest level with and against the best competitors while winning championships, and being coached by the 2 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.

"The people I've met, the places I've been and will go on to go, the experiences and memories I've made, the impact I've been able to make to this point, these are the things that mean the most to me.

"Gratitude is defined as 'The quality of being thankful; Readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.' Today I am grateful I have found the strength to walk away from the game I love so much.

"Thank you to every person that has been a part of and will continue to be a part of this journey, from Brassfield, Kentucky, to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Foxborough, Massachusetts, to Buffalo, New York.

"Every teammate, every coach, every fan, every doctor, every trainer, every dietician, every physical therapist, every teacher, every academic advisor, every person who has poured into me. Thank you.

"Thank you to my personal team of advisors, relations, management, marketing, life coaches, and everyone that has allowed me to focus on nothing but being the best football player I could be.

"Thank you to my agent, Tory Dandy, for your mentorship and advocacy. Thank you to CAA for always representing me in a first class manner.

"Most importantly, thank you to my extraordinary wife. Without your love, without your support, without your grace, without your warmth, I would not be as strong as I am today. I would not be the man, the husband, or the father that I am without you! The foundation we have built is unwavering and we are ready to take on all that life has to offer with our beautiful baby boy.

"Lastyly - to Dame II - Son this is proof that you can be whatever you choose. You can achieve whatever you dream, and most importantly you will be someone strong enough to make decisions of your own in a world full of noise. Always choose yourself. Always stay trust to yourself. Dada will always be right there behind you.

"No need to worry, y'all will be seeing me soon!

"Acts 20:24 - 'However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace."