Wide receiver DeVante Parker retires after nine NFL seasons

After nine NFL seasons, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVante Parker has decided to retire, he said Monday night.

As much as he looked forward to his time with the Eagles, Parker decided the time had come to spend more time with his family that includes his four children.

“I want to see my kids, spend quality time with them,” Parker said. “I want to be there for them whenever I can.”

Parker finished his NFL career with 369 catches for 5,266 yards and 27 receiving TDs. The 31-year-old Parker is walking away from the NFL and looks forward to whatever is next, though he has no definitive short-term professional plans.

“I’m just going to take things slowly,” Parker said.

Asked what he’ll most remember most about his NFL career: “The camaraderie. The brotherhood in the locker room on whichever team it was. Everyone always welcome me with open arms, and I appreciated them for that.

“I also appreciate the Dolphins for drafting me and giving me the opportunity. I always will have love for the Dolphins and their organization. And I want to thank all the teams, the Patriots and the Eagles, too. But the Dolphins were the first team, and I really want to thank them.”

Parker’s longtime agent, Jimmy Gould, said it was an honor to represent him. “It will continue to be an honor to represent DeVante as he moves forward toward that next chapter of his life,” said Gould, Chairman of Management One.