Patriots OL James Ferentz officially announces retirement from NFL on social media
James Ferentz announced on Monday that he retiring from the NFL . The New England Patriots veteran offensive lineman finishes his career as a two-time Super Bowl champion, having spent the past six seasons in New England. Ferentz made the official announcement on Instagram, and the Patriots followed, taking a moment to congratulate him. Ferentz started his career […]
James Ferentz announced on Monday that he retiring from the NFL .
The New England Patriots veteran offensive lineman finishes his career as a two-time Super Bowl champion, having spent the past six seasons in New England.
Ferentz made the official announcement on Instagram, and the Patriots followed, taking a moment to congratulate him.
Ferentz started his career as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2014. He was first signed by the Houston Texans, spending training camp there, but was released and then re-signed to the practice squad. In 2015, he joined the Broncos and played in 21 games throughout his two seasons there before coming to New England.
For the 2017 season, he spent the full year on the Patriots practice squad. And while he started the 2018 season on the practice squad, he was elevated in November and went on to remain there as the Patriots won their sixth Super Bowl championship.
While he spent the majority of the time on the practice squad, he was elevated numerous times and got opportunities to play.
Here is what he wrote on Instagram:
After taking the time to collect my thoughts and speaking with my wife Skylar, I’ve decided to retire from playing football. Some of the best advice I have received was 'concise is nice.' I will attempt my best to do that. I would like to apologize in advance to anyone who I don’t name, please understand that it doesn’t take away from your contributions or my appreciation for your impact on my career.
Thank you to all my teammates, from lowa City High, lowa, Houston, Denver, and New England. The bond and love is truly what football is about and why we all play. My teammates at every stop prove that theory true. Thank you all!
To my coaches and teachers at Iowa City High School, thank you for helping kindle my passion for football and lay the foundation for the work ethic it takes to succeed.
To my coaches at the University of Iowa, thank you for taking me from an immature teenager to shaping me into the man I am today. From my dad, Reese Morgan, and my brother Brian teaching me the fundamentals of offensive line play, to Chris Doyle teaching me the fundamentals of training and living the right way, thank you. To Marvin Sims for having patience and guidance in opening my eyes to all those around me and the incredible support system that was responsible for any sort of success I may have ever had. May you rest in peace and thank you.
To the Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, and New England Patriots organizations, thank you for the combined ten years of my career. Thank you to Bill O’Brien, Gary Kubiak, and Bill Belichick for giving me the opportunity to play pro football when no one else would. To Dante Scarnecchia, thank you for helping me get the best from myself. A special thank you to the towns of Foxboro and Norfolk Massachusetts, where my family luckily has called home for the past seven years. Thank you to all the wonderful people we have met along the way.
Thank you to my Mom and Dad. We don't get to pick our parents but I couldn't have been luckier. You have always said football accomplishments are not what makes you proud, but I love the man you and football shaped me into. To my unwavering support and love from my siblings Brian, Kelly, Joanne, and Steve; thank you and I love you all.
Finally thank you to my loving wife Skylar. Without your support, none of this would have been possible. You lived and breathed every low, every high, and every snap with me. Your love and guidance made this journey the greatest. My only hope is our three boys. Forest, Lincoln, and Marshall each find a partner and best friend as special, caring, and loving as you."
