Eric Decker Retires After Eight Seasons In NFL

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NFL

Eric Decker Retires After Eight Seasons

In what comes as a surprise to many, former University of Minnesota receiver Eric Decker has retired after only eight seasons in the NFL. The now-retired receiver posted this on his Instagram account Sunday. 

Decker was expected to add depth to a New England Patriots roster that will not have star wideout Julian Edelman for the first four games.

Unfortunately, recent reports suggested this news could’ve been the result of the Patriots receiver being on the “outside looking in.” Decker was battling drops and simply not picking up the New England playbook, signs that he would be the one to go if it came down to him and guys such as Braxton Berrios or Riley McCarron.

Furthermore, Decker also failed to play a snap with the starters in the third preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. Relatively speaking, this was a sure sign that making the team was a far cry for Decker. The Patriots’ website even suggested that Decker was a “far-lock” from making the roster.

Fortunately, the recently retired receiver has nothing to hold his head about. Decker has held his own as a receiver throughout his career. His best years come from the span of 2012-2015, including an AFC Championship with the Broncos in 2013. During that span, Decker scored 41 touchdowns, good for third in the NFL for that period.

Much of that hot streak was to the chagrin of sure-fire Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. However, Decker also put up 12 TDs in 2015, as a New York Jet. Decker finished his career with over 5,800 receiving yards and 53 TDs. The Patriots’ roster won’t be missing Eric Decker anytime soon—however, he will be missed around the NFL.