Former Patriots Running Back Damien Harris Retires

Former New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills running back Damien Harris is retiring from the NFL after only five seasons.

Oct 9, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Damien Harris (37) / Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Former New England Patriots running back Damien Harris has announced his retirement at the age of 27. 

The five-year NFL veteran revealed his decision Monday evening in a three-panel social media posting, citing “gratitude” for his numerous successes on the gridiron — which included two national championships (2015, 2017) as a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide. 

“For the past 20 years, playing the game of football has been one of the greater privileges in my life,” Harris wrote. “Today I am grateful I have found the strength to walk away from the game I love so much.”

Oct 9, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Damien Harris (37) / Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Harris was drafted by the Patriots in the third round (No. 87 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. Throughout his four years in New England, Harris established himself as the team’s top option at the position. In 2021, he enjoyed his most productive season; rushing for 959 yards on 211 carries. The Alabama product finished second in the league with 15 rushing touchdowns while catching 19 passes for 139 yards.

Health and injury took their toll on the Alabama product in the final year of his rookie deal. Both hamstring and thigh injuries sidelined Harris for seven games last season. Still, in nine games, he ran for 462 yards and three touchdowns on 106 carries, while also catching 17 passes (on 23 targets) for 97 yards. 

He concluded his Patriots tenure having rushed for 2094 yards on 449 attempts with 20 touchdowns. He also caught a total of 40 passes for 281 yards in four seasons with New England. 

Harris signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills in March 2023. Unfortunately, his tenure in Western New York was cut short after just six games. In Buffalo’s Week 6 matchup against the New York Giants, Harris was injured after he collided with Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke on what would be his only carry of the game. He was taken off the field via ambulance and was later diagnosed with a neck sprain. Harris was placed on season-ending injured reserve just prior to Week 7.

Harris demonstrated continuous improvement throughout his career — both with the Patriots and the Bills. His confidence and experience, while running for both power and finesse made him a player for which opposing defenses always had to account. When given the space to maneuver, Harris was capable of breaking for significant yardage. He was also a factor when receiving out of the backfield, a trait which he exhibited since his days at Alabama. Harris' skill set, as well as his leadership and enthusiasm made him a favorite among his teammates, as well as the New England fanbase.

For his career, Harris appeared in 44 games. He rushed 472 times for 2,188 yards and 21 total touchdowns. He also caught 42 passes on 53 targets for 297 yards.