A key piece of the New England Patriots offense is now retired. Longtime fullback and seven-year NFL veteran James Develin announced his retirement via his Instagram. Develin, who joined the Patriots in 2012 as a member of their practice squad, has been the team's starting fullback for the last six seasons.

The reason for Develin's early and sudden retirement stems from unforeseen complications regarding the neck injury that limited him to just two games last season.

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Develin's true impact for the Patriots cannot be seen through a purely statistical viewpoint as he only has 31 career receptions and 15 career carries. However, as a lead blocker, Develin has become imperative in the New England rushing attack.

Develin would be named a Pro Bowler for the 2017 season after helping the Patriots put out a top-10 rushing attack in the league.

The veteran fullback would go on to thank his teammates, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, team owner Robert Kraft and Patriots nation as a whole in his retirement announcement.

With Develin out for the majority of last season, the Patriots signed former Green Bay Packer and free-agent fullback Danny Vitale this offseason as a possible replacement.

Last season without Develin, the New England rushing attack dropped off as the team ranked 18th in rushing yards per game and 25th in yards per carry with a mere 3.8.

Other than Vitale, second-year pro Jakob Johnson is the only other fullback on the Patriots' roster. Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 255-pound fullback out of Tennessee, made three starts last season and could very well be chosen as Develin's replacement.