The New England Patriots signed free agent wide receiver Jalen Hurd just a week ago. Unfortunately, he will not be playing for the Patriots, or any other team next season, shockingly announcing his retirement.
Hurd was previously a pretty highly touted college prospect, coming into the NFL after being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
His career had not gone to plan, failing to record a single NFL snap while dealing with a multitude of injuries. He ended every season with the 49ers on the injured reserve list.
He signed with the Patriots in hopes of reviving his career, actually making a number of impressive plays in Patriots training camp last week.
No big deal, just former #49ers WR Jalen Hurd creating separation and scoring a TD at #Patriots training camp…
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) August 1, 2023
Instead of attempting to turn around his career trajectory, he is instead opting to call it quits at just 27 years of age. NFL insider Jordan Schultz first reported that Hurd has officially decided to call it quits.
Per the wire, Jalen Hurd’s decided to retire from the NFL. https://t.co/po6t3Ig39C
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 1, 2023
It’s certainly a sudden development, and fans are saddened to hear that Hurd will now likely never realize the potential he once had.
The #NFL is a crazy business man
Here is #Patriots Jalen Hurd catching a touchdown in practice
And now the news comes out that he is retiring…
(🎥: @TheWolfeKnows) pic.twitter.com/SlPC8E4W1y
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) August 1, 2023
BREAKING: Former San Francisco #49ers third round selection wide receiver Jalen Hurd has retired after signing with the New England #Patriots last week.
Sadly Hurd never took a snap in the #NFL due to injuries. pic.twitter.com/DwDtSfWgwF
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) August 1, 2023
Jalen Hurd retired after this catch from Zappe.
Figured he’d go out on top.
— Savage (@SavageSports_) August 1, 2023
Jalen Hurd was awesome at Tennessee.
Hate to see he’s hanging up his cleats.
pic.twitter.com/KzbXr4pVAw https://t.co/yaCTKBfe96
— Dylan Holt (@DylanHolt_) August 1, 2023
It brings me great pain to announce that Jalen Hurd hive is officially checking out 🙏🏽💔 pic.twitter.com/lGOrkDsOhr https://t.co/oYLZXLuPtk
— karan (@905Kar) August 1, 2023
Players have been retiring younger and younger as of late, as this marks the fourth player under 30 years od age to retire in just the last two days.
#Steelers 23-year old rookie FB Monte Pottebaum, has retired from the NFL today.#Saints 25-year DE Jabari Zuniga, has retired from the NFL today.#Rams 28-year old RB Sony Michel has retired from the NFL yesterday. pic.twitter.com/kbTrqnGHYU
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 30, 2023
