ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported earlier today that former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Percy Harvin is “not participating in free agency” and “plans to retire, for real this time.”
Harvin, 28, has battled a multitude of injuries over the course of his eight-year career. Over his final five seasons, Harvin played in double-digit games only once, and only appeared in seven contests combined during his two tours with the Bills.
Harvin was signed by the Bills prior to the 2015 season on a one-year deal, but a serious hip injury ended his season after only five games. A surprise addition to the roster late in 2016, Harvin played in two games for the Bills last year, catching two passes for six yards. He missed three games with migraines before shutting down his comeback attempt for good.
Harvin was the 22nd overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings after a stellar career at the University of Florida. In 61 NFL games with the Bills, Vikings, New York Jets, and Seattle Seahawks, Harvin caught 353 passes for 4,026 yards and 22 touchdowns. He was also a stellar return man, averaging 27.2 yards over 152 kickoff returns with five touchdowns. He won a Super Bowl ring with the Seahawks in 2013.
Harvin was never much of a factor in Buffalo, aside from a couple games early in the 2015 season, but it’s still a bit jarring to see someone in their twenties retire because of recurring migraines. Hopefully, he can overcome his medical issues and move on to the next chapter of his life with ease.