With the NFL season, aside from Super Bowl LIX, now complete, one of the first bits of news you’ll start to hear is of players retiring from the game. That is the case for former Denver Broncos defensive lineman Mike Purcell.
Purcell’s agent confirmed the news to Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette, stating that Purcell doesn’t want to be away from his kids anymore.
Purcell did not play during the 2024 season after being released by the New England Patriots toward the end of training camp. Born in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Purcell was a solid high school player who ended up playing at Wyoming in college.
He went undrafted in 2013 but found a role with the San Francisco 49ers where he became a favorite of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. That carried over to Denver where Fangio was the head coach and he wanted Purcell to be a part of his defensive front.
Purcell played the next five seasons in Denver, the most successful stretch of his career. He had 166 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries and a safety while with the Broncos.
Mike Purcell retires from the NFL at age 33
Purcell will be 34 years old in April and his best playing days are behind him. He should be remembered as a valuable asset when called upon in Denver, one who greatly impacted the team’s run defense in a positive way.
For his career, Purcell played for the 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs and the Broncos while also having a stint in the Alliance of American Football with the Salt Lake Stallions.
He played in 90 career games and had 208 total tackles with 3.5 sacks.
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