Former Louisville Star DeVante Parker Announces Retirement from NFL
One of the greatest wide receivers in Louisville football history is retiring from the NFL.
Former Cardinals star DeVante Parker has announced his retirement at the age of 31. Parker, who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent in March, shared the news with ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“I want to see my kids and spend quality time with them,” Parker told Schefter. “I want to be there for them whenever I can.”
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 215 pounds, Parker was the 14th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, where he spent the first seven seasons of his career. His best NFL season came in 2019, recording 72 receptions for 1,202 yards and nine touchdowns—career highs across the board.
Parker was traded to the New England Patriots before the 2022 season. Despite signing a three-year contract extension last year, he was released by the Patriots on March 14 and then signed with the Eagles.
In his NFL career, Parker played 119 games with 88 starts, amassing 402 receptions for 5,660 yards and 27 touchdowns.
Parker left Louisville as one of the top receivers in program history. He was an All-ACC selection in 2012 and 2013, combining for 1,629 yards and 22 touchdowns during those seasons, though a foot injury limited his senior year.
His 33 career receiving touchdowns are tied for the most in Louisville history, while his 2,775 career receiving yards rank fourth all-time for the Cardinals.
