Former Alabama running back Damien Harris called it a career on Monday as he announced his retirement in a statement to social media.
Harris played five seasons in the NFL after being selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. In his career, Harris appeared in 44 games carrying the ball 472 times for 2,188 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns while recording 42 receptions for 297 yards.
“For the past 20 years, playing the game of football has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Harris said in his statement.
“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.
“Thank you to every person that has been a part of and will continue to be a part of this journey. From Brassfield, Kentucky, to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Foxborough, Massachusetts, to Buffalo, New York.
“Every teammate, every coach, every fan, every doctor, every trainer, every dietician, every physical therapist, every teacher every academic advisor, every person who has poured into me. Thank you.
“Thank you to my personal team of advisors, relations, management, marketing, life coaches, and everyone that has allowed me to focus on nothing but being the best football player I could be.
“Thank you to my agent, Tory Dandy, for your mentorship and advocacy. Thank you to CAA for always representing me in a first class manner.
“Most importantly, thank you to my extraordinary wife. Without your love, without your support, without your grace, without your warmth, I would not be as strong as I am today. I would not be the man, the husband or the father that I am without you! The foundation we have built is unwavering and we are ready to take on all that life has to offer with our beautiful baby boy.
“Lastly, – to Dame II – son, this is proof that you can be whatever you choose. You can achieve whatever you dream, and most importantly you will be someone strong enough to make decisions of your own in a world full of noise. Always choose yourself. Always stay true to yourself. DaDa will always be right there behind you!
“No need to worry, y’all will be seeing me soon!”
Before his days in the NFL, Harris played for the Crimson Tide from 2015-18 rushing for a total of 3,070 yards and 75 touchdowns through 54 total games. During his tenure, he was also a part of two national championship teams in 2015 and 17 while also being named to the All-SEC Second Team in 2018.
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