Kevin Faulk Plans to Retire From Patriots After 13 Years, Legacy of Versatility in New England

Just as the Patriots have firmly established that their new running backs will be able to carry the load moving forward, veteran Kevin Faulk has announced that he will officially retire from the NFL after 13 seasons.

Faulk had hoped to remain with the team going into this season after fighting his way back from an ACL injury in 2010. But with the emergence of Stevan Ridley, Brandon Bolden and Shane Vereen in the running game this season, Faulk’s possible role as a backup or platoon option appears to have run its course.

Faulk announced Monday on Twitter that he’s decided to finally call it a game.

The team said Faulk will officially announce his retirement at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at The Hall at Patriot Place in Foxboro.

Faulk played with the Patriots, his only team, for 13 seasons after being picked 46th overall in the second round in the 1999 draft out of LSU. He epitomized the versatility that coach Bill Belichick calls for from his players, becoming a valuable asset in both the running game and passing attack, where he was especially adept in screen plays.

Faulk had 3,607 yards and 16 touchdowns rushing and 3,701 yards and 15 touchdowns receiving over his career. He was also key in kick and punt returns.

Faulk was part of New England’s three Super Bowl victories.