Veteran NFL Wide Receiver With 1,200-Yard Season Makes Shocking Retirement Announcement

Miami Dolphins helmet. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVante Parker is retiring after nine seasons in the NFL.

Parker signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in March after spending seven seasons with the Miami Dolphins, two with the New England Patriots, and never playing for his previous team. DeVante Parker, 31, made the decision to retire in order to spend more time with his four children.

 

“I want to see my kids, spend quality time with them,” Parker said. “I want to be there for them whenever I can.”

Adam Schefter added that it was the community that stood out most to him during his nine seasons.

“The camaraderie. The brotherhood in the locker room on whichever team it was,” Parker said. “Everyone always welcome me with open arms, and I appreciated them for that.”

DeVante Parker also thanked the Dolphins for getting his career started in 2015, as well as his two other teams.

“I also appreciate the Dolphins for drafting me and giving me the opportunity,” Parker said. “I always will have love for the Dolphins and their organization. And I want to thank all the teams, the Patriots and the Eagles, too. But the Dolphins were the first team, and I really want to thank them.”

DeVante Parker, a Louisville product and the 14th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, played for the Dolphins through the 2021 campaign before joining the Patriots. In 2019, he had the finest season of his career, with 1,202 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in Miami.

 

Parker was a productive receiver for the majority of his career, even though the 2019 season was the only one in which he had more than 1,000 yards. In his last season, he caught 33 passes for 394 receiving yards, finishing his career with 5,660 yards and 27 touchdowns via ESPN.com.

DeVante Parker Had a Stout Career Playing For The Louisville Cardinals

 
DeVante Parker (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Former University of Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker was selected 14th by the Miami Dolphins, but before he made his way to the NFL, he was a nightmare for opposing defenses in college.

Parker was a four-year player for the Cardinals, hauling in 156 passes for 2,775 yards and 33 touchdowns, which tied the school record. Due to a foot ailment, he missed the first seven games of his senior year at Louisville. However, in his final six games, he caught 43 passes for 855 yards and five touchdowns.

Parker was Louisville’s highest draft selection since Amobi Okoye, who was selected by Houston with the tenth overall choice in 2007. Parker played for Ballard High School in Louisville and was named an all-state player twice before enrolling at the University of Louisville.