Ben Watson Announces Retirement

(AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Late this afternoon Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson announced his retirement in the following Instagram post.

View this post on Instagram

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

A post shared by benjaminswatson (@benjaminswatson) on Jan 6, 2020 at 9:14am PST

Although he does not officially say the words that he is retiring, it seems pretty likely that this was his way of saying goodbye.

The 38 year old retired in December of 2018 but was coaxed into coming out of retirement this past May to sign for one last season with the team who originally drafted him.

Watson finishes the season with 17 receptions for 173 yards, and finishes his Patriots career with 184 receptions for 2,275 yards and 20 touchdowns.

A true stand up guy and a model Patriot, Watson will be missed.

Twitter and Instagram @NickRufo21