The New England Patriots have been a birthplace of legendary players for the last twenty years. From the iconic quarterback Tom Brady, and tight end Rob Gronkowski to linebacker Jamie Collins, the team once used to boast of having formidable weapons in the squad who managed to earn them six Super Bowl titles in two decades.
However, the golden dynasty of the Patriots is seemingly going to get faded day by day as their key veterans left them consecutively in the last few years. TB12 and Gronk have already decided to hang up their cleats, and now, Collins also bade farewell to his illustrious NFL career.
Ex-Patriots’ LB Jamie Collins retires from NFL
During a recent interview with Mike Reiss of ESPN, Collins himself delivered his retirement news saying he has had enough of his professional football career and added that after having countless good moments in the league, he wants to have quality times with his family.
“It hasn’t hit me yet, but I’m officially retired. It was wonderful and something I never thought I’d be a part of. Made a lot of great relationships. Had a ton of fun. Now it’s time to relax and be with my family.”
The Southern Mississippi product later took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to convey his gratitude to his fans following the retirement announcement.
“My man. Thank you for everything. Even my sneaky post practice and post game interviews lol. “
After getting selected by New England in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the No.33 played three seasons with the team before getting traded to the Cleveland Browns during the 2016 season. He had a second stint with the Patriots after joining them in free agency ahead of the 2019 season.
However, the vet later spent 2020 with the Detroit Lions before being brought by Bill Belichick for the third time during the 2021 season and stayed with the franchise through 2022.
Exploring Jamie Collins’ Outstanding Career Achievements
In his relatively short career, Collins helped the Patriots to secure their 2014 Super Bowl win beating the Seattle Seahawks. Nevertheless, his best season will be marked in 2019 when he showcased incredible athleticism by recording 81 tackles, 7 sacks as well as 10 tackles for loss, 10 QB hits along with three interceptions, and three passes defended in his final full season with Belichick’s squad.
The former Pro Bowler scored 708 tackles, 26.5 sacks along with 12 interceptions, and 19 forced fumbles in his apperance 125 regular-season games (105 starts) throughout 10 seasons while amassing 55 tackles, three sacks as well as two INTs in nine playoff appearances. He earned the Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro titles back in 2015.
The 6-foot-3, 255-pound giant is planning to become a football coach as he said he can not be without football for too long, and hopefully, he will nail his new role as well. What’s your take on Collins’ illustrious career? Tell us in the comments.
