Linebacker Shaquil Barrett, a two-time Super Bowl champion, has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 31. Barrett, who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos, made the announcement on Instagram, stating his desire to focus on his family.
Barrett signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins in March after being released by the Buccaneers. However, just three days before the start of training camp, he decided to retire, leaving the Dolphins without a veteran outside linebacker.
“It’s time for me to hang it up,” Barrett wrote. “I’m ready to shift my full focus to my wife and kids and help them realize their dreams. I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and the decision has never been clearer.”
Barrett’s career highlights include leading the NFL with 19.5 sacks in 2019 and winning two Super Bowl titles, first with the Broncos in 2015 and then with the Buccaneers in 2020. He earned Pro Bowl selections in 2019 and 2021.
In April 2023, Barrett and his family suffered a tragedy when his 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, drowned in their home pool. Despite this, Barrett returned to play in the 2023 season, recording 4.5 sacks and 52 tackles.
Barrett’s retirement marks the end of a notable NFL career. The Dolphins, who signed Barrett to add depth to their linebacker corps, will now look to rookies Chop Robinson and Mo Kamara to fill the gap left by his departure.
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