Patriots Ex Sony Michel Retires After 5 NFL Seasons
FOXBORO -- Former New England Patriots running back Sony Michel is retiring from the NFL after five seasons on the gridiron.
Michel's decision was confirmed by Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, who announced the news on Saturday.
Since arriving in New England as the Patriots' first-round selection (no. 31 overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft, Michel has had his share of ups and downs. The former Georgia Bulldog played an integral role in New England’s run to its sixth championship victory in Super Bowl LIII, while setting an NFL record for rushing touchdowns in the postseason with six. However, injuries and inconsistency cast some degree of negativity on his time in New England.
When he did see the field, Michel was a productive running back for the Patriots. In his three seasons in New England, he rushed for 2,689 yards on 620 carries and 20 touchdowns. Still, the two sides appeared to be headed for a split following the 2021 season. In addition to the team drafting another potential early-down back in Rhamondre Stevenson, the Pats declined Michel’s fifth-year contract option. Therefore, it became obvious that 2021 would be Michel's final season in New England.
Accordingly, Michel was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in August, in exchange for a fifth and sixth round pick in the 2022 Draft. He finished the 2021 season with 208 carries for 845 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to go along with 21 receptions for 128 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Michel won his second Super Bowl title when the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. In that game, Michel had two carries for two yards.
Michel signed with the Miami Dolphins in May 2022, but would remain with the team only until August. Following his release from Miami, the Orlando native agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Chargers, with whom he would remain for the remainder of the season.
Though he signed for a second tour of duty with the Rams in June 2023, Michel will instead ride off into the proverbial sunset at the age of 28. He finishes his NFL career having compiled 3,243 yards on 779 carries with 18 touchdowns, along with 56 catches for 439 receiving yards and two scores.
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