Bills Free Agent RB Damien Harris Retires From NFL: 'Grateful!'

After just one season with the Buffalo Bills, running back Damien Harris is retiring from football.

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The Buffalo Bills signed Damien Harris to a one-year deal last offseason, and he arrived to Orchard Park with an infectious smile that was present during his first time meeting with the media.

However, he was plagued by injuries with the Bills and fell further down the depth chart before hitting free agency after playing in just six games for Buffalo. But instead of signing with a new team, Harris is hanging up his cleats.

Harris, 27, announced his retirement from football on Monday after just five years in the NFL. He penned a long message on social media to thank those that have been there for him throughout his career.

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"For the past 20 years, playing the game of football has been one of the greatest privileges in my life," Harris wrote. " ... 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."

After fours years and two national titles at Alabama under legendary coach Nick Saban, Harris was a third-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2019, where he joined another legend in Bill Belichick.

Harris thanked both Hall of Fame coaches in his message on social media.

Harris played four years with the Pats before joining Buffalo. In five seasons, he played in 44 regular-season games while tallying 472 carries for 2,188 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also caught 42 passes for 297 yards.