Former Patriots second-round pick announces retirement from NFL

Former Patriots second-round pick announces retirement from NFL originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Former New England Patriots cornerback Joejuan Williams is hanging up his cleats.

Williams took to Instagram on Friday and revealed he is retiring from the NFL after four seasons in the league.

Thank You God for blessing me with this ability. And thank you football for changing my life forever," Williams wrote. "I came from nothing. This game transformed my life, gave me purpose, discipline, memories, relationships, and experiences I’ll carry forever. Thank you to every Coach that worked with me, every teammate I shared the field with, and the support from my family, friends and fans. Now the same dream I once chased and accomplished… It’s time to impact the game by helping others accomplish theirs. Excited for this next chapter. Forever grateful for the journey."

A former second-round pick of the Patriots in 2019, Williams played his college ball at Vanderbilt, where he tallied 119 tackles, six tackles for loss and four interceptions over three years.

Williams appeared in 36 games (one start) over three seasons in New England and finished his Patriots career with 44 tackles and eight passes defensed.