He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz of the Arena Football League (AFL).

Develin was on the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad for two seasons and played for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League (UFL).

[5] Develin originally signed with the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz of the Arena Football League (AFL) and appeared in one game.

[6] He then joined the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League (UFL), where he converted from defensive line to fullback.

[7][8] On February 3, 2011, Develin was reunited with his former head coach with the Tuskers after Jay Gruden was hired to be the Bengals' new offensive coordinator.

Throughout training camp, Develin competed for a roster spot as a fullback against Cedric Peerman and Fui Vakapuna.

[12] On December 16, 2012, Develin made his professional regular season debut during the Patriots' 41–34 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 15.

Throughout training camp, Develin competed against Ben Bartholomew for a roster spot as a fullback and special teams player.

[13] Head coach Bill Belichick named Develin the starting fullback to begin the regular season.

On September 1, 2015, Develin was placed on season-ending injured reserve after breaking his right tibia in a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.

Develin helped the Patriots reach Super Bowl LIII where they defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13–3.

[25] On September 23, 2019, Develin was placed on injured reserve due to a neck injury he sustained in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins.

He and his wife, Jennifer, have three sons, James III, William Robert, and Joseph Rudolph, and a daughter, Adrienne Mattea.