Former New England Patriots linebacker Raekwon McMillan announced his retirement from the NFL after eight seasons earlier this week. The 30-year-old, who spent parts of four years with the Patriots, took to social media to announce the news."Always for the name on the back of my jersey!," McMillan wrote on Instagram. "8 years flew by but this next chapter is going to be my best chapter. I hope I made y'all proud! #retirement."After a decorated career at Ohio State, which included a national title, McMillan was drafted 54th overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2017. After stints with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020, he arrived in New England ahead of the 2021 season.What transpired over the next few years was a tenure filled with plenty of ups and plenty of downs.May 23, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Raekwon McMillan (46) walks to the practice field for the team's OTA at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports2021: A Season WastedAfter a one-year stint with the Raiders after a trade with the Dolphins, McMillan inked a one-year contract to join the Patriots' defense. The team was coming off their first losing season since 2002 and was looking for some more juice in the linebacker room. McMillan's athleticism was part of that plan.But then the season ended before it began.McMillan tore his ACL during a training camp practice in August, and was subsequently placed on season-ending injured reserve. He had been trending up before the injury, breaking up several passes in the practices prior. Despite the injury, McMillan did get some good news. He signed a one-year contract extension while on IR in September, giving him another opportunity to make the roster the following season.2022: Slipping, But Still ScoringThe 2022 season gave McMillan another chance, and he capitalized at the start. He entered the year as one of the two starting linebackers (alongside veteran Ja'Whaun Bentley). In the first game, he had five tackles on 42 defensive snaps.Then he began to slip, and was relegated into a backup role. He still played in all 16 games that season, but was only on the field for 23% (250) of the Patriots' defensive snaps. Dec 12, 2022; Glendale, Ariz., USA; New England Patriots linebacker Raekwon McMillan (50) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-Arizona Republic