Willie McGinest said he wants to retire as a New England Patriot, WEEI reports.

McGinest recently worked out with the Detroit Lions, but the 39-year-old issued a statement that said he was not planning on coming back to play.

"Even though I looked as good as I did, this number 55 has been retired for three years and plans to stay retired. The only thing that will bring me back is a one-day contract with New England to retire as a Patriot," McGinest said.

The Patriots drafted the linebacker fourth overall in the 1994 draft. McGinest played for the Patriots for 12 years, before following then-Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crenel to the Cleveland Browns, where he spent three seasons. He retired from the game in 2008.

The California native played in 212 games, compiling 798 tackles, 86 sacks, 15 forced fumbles and five interceptions. McGinest appeared in four Super Bowls with the Patriots and won three championships.