Veteran defensive end Michael Bennett, who was selected to three Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl while with the Seattle Seahawks, has announced his retirement after 11 seasons in the NFL, according to his official Instagram page.
“Retiring feels a little like death of self, but I’m looking forward to the rebirth – the opportunity to reimagine my purpose” Bennett wrote.
“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.“
Bennett, 34, expanded on his retirement decision saying that in addition to spending more time with his family, he wants to help athletes when it comes to social and racial injustice, during an article published by The New Yorker.
Bennett was traded from the New England Patriots to the Dallas Cowboys last season, and collected 6.5 sacks along with 32 tackles during the year.
Bennett is most known for his time with the Seahawks and the famed “Legion of Boom’ defense, but also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well, during his career.
Bennett finishes his career with 359 tackles, 69.5 career sacks and 10 forced fumbles.
