James Develin announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday after eight seasons with the New England Patriots. Following his decision to end his football career, Bill Belichick released an incredible statement on Devlin's retirement.

Fullbacks in the NFL aren't considered a glamorous position, even though their beginning to make a comeback. In addition, fullbacks are beginning to be utilized in a variety of ways now.

On the other hand, Develin was the typical tough-nosed fullback that cleared running lanes for the running back behind him. In his first seven seasons with the Patriots, Develin helped New England win three Super Bowls. Plus, he was selected for one Pro Bowl in the 2017 season.

However, early in the 2019 season, Develin suffered a neck injury that would sideline him for 14 weeks. As a result of the neck injury, Develin is deciding it is best for him to retire from the NFL.

Nevertheless, Develin can say he put together a successful career despite the odds he faced. As an undrafted player out of Brown University, Develin carved out an NFL career as Tom Brady's fullback.

Over the years, Belichick has coached some of the best players in NFL history. Therefore, for him to release the statement he did for Develin, it goes to show the type of player and person Develin was.

Since Belichick has been in New England, he's preached the ‘Patriot Way', which essentially means for everyone to do their job for the guys around you. It's safe to say Develin embodied what it meant to play for the Patriots and Belichick thought fondly of him.