New England Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson hasn’t formally announced his retirement from the NFL yet, but his latest Instagram post may reflect the direction he’s leaning.
Watson said the following in an emotional photo caption;
“Saturday’s game was tough for a number of reasons. This season, this calendar year, had many expected and unexpected challenges professionally and personally. The emotional investment rivals the physical in this sport, and after months of competition, adversity, and perseverance the bonds between brothers run deep and expectations remain high as we pursued the coveted return. Through it all I’m thankful for another season to play this great game. It has been a joy to share the locker room with these men and truly special to reunite with so many familiar faces. I wish it would have ended in Miami. There’s nothing I wanted more for my family and myself especially at this point in my career. Life is about perspective and disappointment has a special way of challenging that conviction. Thank you for supporting my family and this team this year. We could feel the love. We are truly blessed. Best of luck to Tennessee and the other teams still in the race. #Sweet16″
Watson’s first and potentially final quarterback Tom Brady left a comment of support on the post that read “Love you! There is no better man, teammate or friend to have in this world then you!!!”
Brady was Watson’s first NFLquarterback from 2004-2009, earning his only ring with him in 2004 before his return to Foxboro this year.
Watson finished the 2019 season with 17 catches for 173 yards in ten games.
Following Sunday’s loss, Watson dropped additional retirement hints.
“I love playing this game, but there is a time when you definitely have to move on. Definitely won’t be back here next year probably and probably won’t be playing at all.”
“You know, it’s something that I’ve tried to do before and it didn’t work, but there’s only so much your body can take and so much you can put your family through before you want to settle down and have some roots and figure out what the next chapter of your life is going to be.’’
An emotional moment for Matthew Slater and Ben Watson as Watson may be walking off an NFL field for the last time. Two of the classiest players to ever don a Patriots uniform pic.twitter.com/o6N9g4lcfC
— The Camera Guys (@NBCSCameraGuys) January 5, 2020
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