Michael Bennett Announces His Retirement

Free-agent DE Michael Bennett announced on Instagram he is retiring from the NFL after 11 years. 

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Retiring feels a little like death of self, but I’m looking forward to the rebirth – the opportunity to reimagine my purpose. ⠀ I would like to thank my wife and children, who have sacrificed so much for me to succeed. I’m looking forward to supporting them the same way they have me these past 11 years. I have never been more at peace in my life. ⠀ As the great Toni Morrison said: “Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.“

A post shared by Michael Bennett (@mosesbread72) on Jul 21, 2020 at 3:37am PDT

As recently as the end of March, Bennett was still looking to catch on with another team for the 2020 season after playing out his deal with the Cowboys. 

However, with concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic this year and his other pursuits for racial justice in the United States, Bennett ended up deciding the time was right to walk away from the game. 

Bennett, 34, began his NFL career with the Buccaneers and spent four years in Tampa Bay before signing on with the Seahawks as a free agent back in 2013. Seattle signed him to a new four-year, $39 million contract before trading him to the Eagles a few years ago. 

From there, the Eagles sent Bennett to the Patriots for a fifth-round pick and he was later traded to the Cowboys before the deadline last year. 

Over the course of his 11-year career, Bennett recorded 360 total tackles, 69.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, three recoveries, one touchdown and five pass defenses. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection from 2015-2017.