Key Takeaways:
– DeVante Parker, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, has announced retirement.
– Parker has attributed his retirement to the desire to spend more time with his family.
– The wide receiver recently signed with the Eagles and was set to fill the side’s No.3 role.
– Parker’s underperformance with the New England Patriots was a significant letdown.
– Parris Campbell is expected to occupy the now-vacant No.3 receiver position.
Article:
In a surprising turn of events, Philadelphia Eagles’ wide receiver DeVante Parker has announced his retirement. Known for his impressive tenure as the Miami Dolphins’ go-to receiver from 2015-2021, Parker, 31, recently made the decision to hang up his cleats for good. ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news on May 20.
DeVante Parker’s Unexpected Retirement
Parker’s retirement comes hot on the heels of his recent contract with the Eagles during the free-agent market season. Despite being tipped for a significant role in the coming season — the No.3 receiver spot that has remained underachieving in recent seasons — Parker chose family over football.
In Schefter’s words, “After nine NFL seasons, Eagles WR DeVante Parker has decided to retire. Parker decided the time had come to spend more time with his family that includes his four children.”
Before joining the Eagles, Parker spent two years with the New England Patriots in a stint that was largely disappointing. Nevertheless, he found success earlier in his career with the Miami Dolphins, recording an impressive 72 receptions for 1,202 receiving yards and nine touchdowns during his 2019 peak.
In an emotional farewell, Parker underscored the importance of family, saying, “I want to see my kids, spend quality time with them. I want to be there for them whenever I can. I’m just going to take things slowly.”
Parker’s Stint with the Miami Dolphins and Patriots
During his six years with the Dolphins — the team that chose him as their first-round draft pick — Parker amassed a significant haul of 369 catches for 5,266 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns. His performance earned him rankings among the top five in the league for both receiving touchdowns and yards.
However, Parker’s subsequent stint with the New England Patriots did not live up to expectations. Despite being commanding an even higher percentage of offensive plays than his time with the Dolphins, Parker only managed 31 receptions for 539 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the 2022 season. The instability in the Patriots’ quarterback position played a significant role in Parker’s career slump.
Post Retirement Outlook for the Eagles
With Parker’s retirement, it is anticipated that newly signed wide receiver Parris Campbell will step into the No.3 receiver role. The 26-year-old has proven his worth in previous seasons, with 63 receptions for 623 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the 2022 season alone. Campbell’s career totals from his seasons with the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts stand at 117 receptions for 1,087 receiving yards, and five touchdowns.
In conclusion, DeVante Parker’s retirement opens up new opportunities for players like Campbell while closing an illustrious chapter in his life. The former wide receiver’s farewell demonstrated both gratitude towards his former teams and a commitment to family life that supersedes professional ambitions.