Former Patriots Safety Steve Gregory Announces Retirement
Former Patriots safety Steve Gregory announced his retirement Saturday after eight seasons in the National Football League. (PHOTO: Steve Balestrieri/PatsFans.com)
Back in February the Patriots released 31-year old veteran safety Steve Gregory in an apparent financial move that saved the team $2.85 million against the 2014 salary cap.
As it turns out, that apparently marked the end of his NFL career after Gregory announced his retirement on Saturday.
 Gregory was a solid contributor in New England's secondary during his tenure with the team. (USA TODAY Images) |
He played in 26 games in New England through 2012 and 2013, the final two seasons of his eight year career.
Gregory was a solid contributor in the Patriots' secondary during his tenure with the team and he's walking away with his head held high, with his plan now to potentially be involved as a coach.
From his statement released via his agent, David Canter:
"It is with tremendous respect, appreciation, and admiration for the game of football that I’ve decided to announce my retirement effective immediately. After enter the game as an undrafted free agent, I was fortunate enough to play twice as long as the average player. This past offseason, my wife Rosanne and I were blessed to welcome a daughter, Aviana, and spending time with her has changed my life’s perspective. It is my hope to continue in football as a coach and I look forward to what the future holds. I’m tremendously happy with my decision and being able to walk away from this great game both healthy and on my own terms. I would be remiss in announcing my retirement without thanking my great family, coaches, teammates, scouts, trainers, agent and all of the fans that have supported me along the way.
Thank you,
Steve Gregory"
During the 2013 regular season the veteran played in 14 games with 11 starts along with 79 tackles and a sack. He missed two games with a thumb injury he suffered during the team's week nine 55-31 rout of Pittsburgh, but for the season he participated in over 80% of the snaps in all but three of those contests.
