Patriots News: Tom Brady, Rex Burkhead, Kyle Dugger and Ben McAdoo

Rex Burkhead announces his retirement from the NFL

Fan favorite and should have been a Patriot longer, running back Rex Burkhead announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday, ending his 10-year career after last playing for the Texans during the 2022 season.

The Patriots signed Burkhead to a one-year deal in 2017 after he spent four seasons with the Bengals and wasn't expected to be much of anything for the team in the midst of the second half of their dynasty.

However, he became nearly as important as James White over the next four years, recording 1,026 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns on the ground, plus 96 receptions for 856 yards and seven touchdowns.

He was a significant part of New England's exciting win over the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game, which brought them to Super Bowl 53. He scored two touchdowns on the night, but most importantly, he scored the game-winning score to secure the franchise's trip to their 11th Super Bowl appearance.