Longtime NFL wide receiver DeVante Parker, primarily known for his tenure with the Miami Dolphins, has decided to retire from professional football, as confirmed by his agent, Jimmy Gould, to UPI on Tuesday.
Earlier in the offseason, Parker signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. However, in a statement to ESPN on Monday, Parker expressed his desire to prioritize spending quality time with his family.
“I want to see my kids, spend quality time with them,” Parker explained. “I want to be there for them whenever I can.”
Selected as the No. 14 overall pick by the Dolphins in the 2015 NFL Draft, Parker had a career highlight in the 2019 season with Miami, where he achieved personal bests in targets, catches, receiving yards, touchdowns, and appearances. Despite this standout season, he struggled to replicate such success consistently throughout his career.
Over 119 career appearances, Parker amassed 402 catches for 5,660 yards and 27 touchdowns. Despite a brief stint with the New England Patriots in 2022 and a lackluster season with them, Parker leaves behind a notable legacy in the league.
The Philadelphia Eagles, where Parker briefly landed before his retirement, boast a roster of wide receivers including A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Parris Campbell, Ainias Smith, and Johnny Wilson. Ainias Smith and Wilson were recent draft picks, while Campbell joined the Eagles via free agency earlier in the offseason.
