Running back Damien Harris announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday at the age of 27. Harris, who spent last season with the Buffalo Bills, carried the ball 23 times for 94 yards and a touchdown before a neck injury suffered during the Week 6 matchup against the New York Giants prematurely ended his campaign. The severity of the injury led to Harris being transported off the field in an ambulance.
Selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Alabama, Harris had the privilege of being coached by two legendary figures in football: Nick Saban and Bill Belichick. In his retirement announcement, shared on Instagram on Monday evening, Harris reflected on this aspect of his career.
“For the past 20 years, playing the game of football has been one of the greatest privileges in 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.”
During his tenure with the Patriots spanning four seasons and 38 games, Harris amassed an impressive 2,094 rushing yards and scored 20 touchdowns, maintaining a solid average of 4.7 yards per carry. His standout performance occurred in the 2021 season, where he recorded 929 rushing yards and an impressive 15 touchdowns across 15 games.
Prior to his professional career, Harris showcased his talent during his collegiate years at the University of Alabama, where he earned two College Football Playoff National Championships. Throughout his four seasons with the Crimson Tide, Harris accumulated 3,070 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. His notable achievements place him ninth in all-time rushing yards in Alabama’s storied football history.