Former Cleveland Browns fullback Danny Vitale is hanging up his football cleats.
Vitale, 27, posted to LinkedIn on Saturday about his decision to retire from the NFL.
“I have truly enjoyed every moment of playing in the NFL, especially for the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots,” Vitale wrote. “However, I feel like my body is just ready to move on.”
Former Patriots fullback Dan Vitale posted to LinkedIn that his "body is just ready to move on" from football. pic.twitter.com/32mWYyc6rc
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) June 6, 2021
In May, the Patriots released Vitale.
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted Vitale to opt out of the 2020 season.
Vitale played 24 games for the Browns from 2016-2018 and 20 games for the Packers from 2018-2019.
In 44 career games, Vitale had 15 receptions on 24 targets for 145 receiving yards.
Vitale had one career rushing attempt for 3 yards.
While the Packers played in two playoff games during the 2019 season, Vitale was not on the team’s active roster.
The Wheaton, Illinois, native is likely to find a new career pretty quickly given the prestige of his Northwestern education.
“I’m looking for a new role and would appreciate your support,” Vitale wrote. “For those of you who do now know me well, I graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in economics. I also earned a minor in business institutions and integrated marketing communications.
“I am passionate about anything I set my mind to. I am goal driven, hard working, and looking to improve in every aspect of my life every single day. Thank you in advance for any connections, advice, or opportunities you can offer as I move into this next stage of my life.”
The Tampa Buccaneers selected Vitale in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the 197th overall pick.
In October 2016, the Browns signed Vitale off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad.
A calf injury in September 2018 prompted the Browns to put Vitale on injured reserve after he played 24 games for the team.
The Browns released Vitale in October 2018.
The Packers signed Vitale to their practice squad in October 2018.
In December 2018, the Packers promoted Vitale to their active roster.
Spotrac.com shows Vitale earned $2,415,344 during his five-year NFL career.
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