Just a few years ago, the idea of Percy Harvin fading away from the NFL for good wasn't really even an idea. It certainly didn't seem like a real possibility. But, at the age of 27, Harvin will reportedly retire.
ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the news, which was quickly confirmed by multiple other reports.
Harvin, a first-round pick of the Vikings in 2009, showed promise in his early years. In his Rookie of the Year season, he recorded 60 receptions, 790 yards and six touchdowns. With the Vikings through 2012, Harvin totaled nearly 4,000 yards from scrimmage and 24 offensive touchdowns. He also returned five kickoffs for touchdowns.
And then injuries, namely to his hip and knees, consumed his career. After getting traded to the Seahawks before the 2013 season, Harvin played in just one regular-season game. He eventually returned and took a kickoff the distance in the Super Bowl to punctuate the Seahawks' championship, but he was never really the same electrifying player again.
The Seahawks traded Harvin to the Jets in 2014. He wound up with the Bills in 2015. In total, from 2013-15, Harvin accumulated 951 yards from scrimmage and three offensive touchdowns.
The Bills were willing to bring back Harvin for another season and, initially, Harvin was reportedly interested in returning, but he ultimately decided to step away from the game. A source told Pro Football Talk that Harvin is looking forward to "life after football."
For as fast as a healthy Harvin played the game, the ending to his career managed to come even faster.
