Former Patriots running back Rex Burkhead retires after 10 seasons in the NFL
Rex Burkhead is hanging up his cleats. The former Patriots running back has decided to retire from the National Football League after 10 seasons, he announced via social media on Monday. The running back began his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, but signed a one-year deal with the Patriots in 2017. In his first season, […]
Rex Burkhead is hanging up his cleats.
The former Patriots running back has decided to retire from the National Football League after 10 seasons, he announced via social media on Monday.
The running back began his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, but signed a one-year deal with the Patriots in 2017. In his first season, New England made it to the Super Bowl, but fell to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The following year, he signed a three-year extension and went on to score the game-winning touchdown in the AFC Championship to give the Patriots the win over the Kansas City Chiefs. And New England ultimately won the Super Bowl that year, defeating the Rams.
So he retires as a one-time Super Bowl champion, having earned that during his four years with the Patriots. Burkhead went on to finish his career with the Houston Texans in the 2022 season. He did not play this past year.
Across the 10 years, Burkhead finished his career with 488 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns across 115 games.
Here is his full message from his social media pages:
I've been blessed to be able to play the game of football for 26 years and looking back there are many people I would like to thank.
First I'd like to thank my parents, Rick & Robyn, and older brother, Ryan, for instilling in me the values of hard work, sacrifice, and commitment to your goals. I couldn't have asked for better examples than I had from you all growing up and helping me fuel my passion and love for the game.Next, I'd like to thank my wife, Danielle, and kids, Jett & Steel, for being there every step of the way and the sacrifices you made that let me pursue my career at the highest level possible. You inspired me every day to give it everything I had.
To all my coaches, strength coaches, trainers, doctors, ownership, and other staff thank you for the opportunities to live out my childhood ream and making sure I was performing to the best of my abilities. It was a privilege to go to work every day with you all.
To my teammates, thank you for the friendships and memories we shared. It was an honor to play alongside you all and compete together on a daily basis.
Thank you to my agency, NC Sports, and agents Neil & Jonathan, for representing and mentoring me throughout my NFL journey for 10 years.
I'd like to (thank) all my friends, fans, and other family who have cheered me on throughout my career. From the days as a Plano Wildcat, Husker, Bengal, Patriot, and Texan, you all have encouraged me every single day and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.
A special thanks to those who have continually supported the Team Jack Foundation and its mission to fight childhood brain cancer. Please visit teamjackfoundation.org to learn more.
Lastly, I'd like to thank God not just for the good times along the way but more importantly the challenges and opportunities for growth as a player, person, husband, father, teammate, and friend. I look forward to the next chapter in life, whatever that may be, and doing my best to trust in Him every step of the way.
Thank you!
Rex Burkhead
