Patriots Fan Favorite FB James Develin Announces Retirement in Emotional Instagram Post

One of the Patriots who paved the way for their recent run of success is walking away.

James Develin, the road-grading fullback on New England's three most recent Super Bowl winners, has called it a career at the age of 31.

New England's signing of Danny Vitale foreshadowed this announcement, but it still hurts to read in writing, as Develin's distinguished career will now end following a season on injured reserve.

After climbing out of the Ivy League as a linebacker at Brown University, the powerful Develin found new life as one of Bill Belichick's lead blockers in big moment after big moment. And yes, Develin DID catch a passing TD from Tom Brady in a playoff game -- a one-yarder to make the score 14-0 in the 2014 AFC Championship against Indianapolis. A fitting reward for a man who fought so long for every yard.

And, yeah, he had to fight like crazy for the TD, shown here at the 2:00 mark.

New England's ground game lost a lot of its luster after Develin and fellow FB Jakob Johnson succumbed to injuries in 2019. Hopefully, Vitale can carry the torch.