Rockingham Times

Former New England Patriots player James Develin took on a new challenge recently: He completed the 125th Boston Marathon on Oct. 11.

The former fullback retired from the NFL following an injury with the Patriots in 2019. As part of his fitness regimen to stay in shape, Develin began to run every morning and decided to attempt the Boston Marathon despite his build, according to the official Patriots website. 

“Congratulations on slaying the dragon and finishing the Boston Marathon for a good cause, James Develin,” said Patriots writer "Goose" in a tweet on Oct. 12. 

As a former fullback, Develin was initially discouraged by trainers from attempting the Boston Marathon due to his weight of 250 pounds. But after training for two years, including a 10-mile race on the Jersey Shore, Develin was able to complete the 26.2 miles of the marathon, running for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation. The Joe Andruzzi Foundation helps cancer patients and their families cover the costs of living while in treatment.

While the Boston Marathon is typically held during April, the race was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic and moved to October for this year's race.

Develin's retirement stemmed from a muscle and disc issue in his neck and upper back, as well as spine issues that could have caused him to risk paralysis if he had continued to play, according to Boston.com.