DeVante Parker’s time with the Eagles was over before it even began.
Parker, 31, ended his NFL career on Monday. Talks to ESPN’s Adam Schefter that he would retire.
The wide receiver signed with Philadelphia in March after spending the past two seasons with the Patriots.
The decision ends a nine-year NFL career that included seven seasons with the Dolphins before moving to New England.
Parker told NFL officials that he wants the opportunity to spend more time with his family, which includes his four children.
“I want to see my kids and spend quality time with them,” Parker said. “I want to be there for them whenever I can.”
Over his career in the NFL, Parker had 402 catches for 5,660 yards and 27 touchdowns.
He was a first-round pick by the Dolphins in 2015 and had the best season of his career with Miami in 2019, with 72 catches for 1,202 yards and nine touchdowns.
Parker admitted he will miss the camaraderie he developed inside NFL locker rooms.
“There was a brotherhood in every team’s locker room. Everyone always welcomes me with open arms, and I’m grateful to them,” Parker said. “I would also like to thank the Dolphins for drafting me and giving me the opportunity. I will always love the Dolphins and the organization. I would also like to thank the entire Patriots and Eagles team. But the Dolphins were my first team, so I really want to thank them.”
The 31-year-old said he will have plenty of free time now that his playing career is over and is in no rush to decide what to do next.
“We’re going to take things slowly,” Parker said.
