DeVante Parker Calls It a Career After Nine NFL Seasons

DeVante Parker, a veteran wide receiver who played for the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots during his nine-year NFL career, has announced his retirement at the age of 31.

Former NFL wide receiver DeVante Parker has officially hung up his cleats, ending a nine-year career that was marked by both flashes of brilliance and injury-plagued seasons. Parker announced his retirement on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at the age of 31.

Parker, a Louisville Cardinals product, was drafted by the Dolphins with the 14th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He quickly became a reliable target for quarterback Ryan Tannehill, recording 56 receptions for 744 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season.

Parker continued to be a key contributor in Miami, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in both 2017 and 2019. He formed a formidable receiving duo with Jarvis Landry, helping the Dolphins reach the playoffs in 2016.

However, Parker was also plagued by injuries throughout his career. He missed 10 games in 2018 with a hamstring injury and was hampered by various ailments in subsequent seasons.

In 2022, Parker signed a one-year contract with the Patriots but played only three games before being released. He caught just four passes for 56 yards during his brief stint in New England.

Parker's retirement adds to the growing list of former Dolphins players who have called it a career in recent years, including Landry, Reshad Jones, and Tannehill.

The 6-foot-3, 219-pound receiver finishes his NFL career with 362 receptions for 4,729 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also had four carries for 21 yards.

Parker expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play in the NFL and thanked his family, teammates, and fans for their support.

"I've been blessed to have had the opportunity to play this game at the highest level," Parker said in a statement. "I want to thank all the coaches, trainers, and teammates who have helped me along the way. I'm also grateful for the love and support of my family and fans. I'm excited to see what the next chapter holds."

Parker's departure creates a void in the Patriots' receiving corps, which includes Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, and Nelson Agholor. The team may look to add another veteran receiver in free agency or the draft to fill the void left by Parker.