The NFL’s Bennett Bros. have consistently made headlines over the course of their careers, especially in the last year. While one, Michael, found himself in a legal matter in the last 24 hours, Martellus is now making headlines for a much different reason. And perhaps this will be the last headline featuring Martellus’ name, at least in a football capacity. Because Martellus Bennett has announced he is retiring from the NFL.
In case there was any question over what his next move will be, Bennett took to Twitter to announce that, too:
I’ve decided to move on from the world of football and into the fantastical and wondrous world of creativity. I’m beginning what I believe to be my life’s work @ImaginationAgcy pic.twitter.com/7asa7ARXZX
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) March 24, 2018
While the timing is curious if not ironic, given his brother’s situation, the announcement is surprising, but not altogether shocking. The brothers appeared together earlier this week on the Bill Simmons Podcast, and each spoke about their post-playing careers in decent detail, among many other topics.
Last offseason, Martellus Bennett signed with the Green Bay Packers but was ultimately released after a dispute over the severity of an injury which spilled into the public. He signed on for a second stint with the New England Patriots after being released but played sparingly, only appearing in two games for the Pats in 2017.
All in all, the 6’7″, 248-pound tight end played 10 NFL seasons split between the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, New England, and Green Bay.
He had 433 career receptions on 638 targets for 4,573 yards and 30 touchdowns. His best seasons came in 2014 when he had 90 catches for 916 yards and six touchdowns for the Bears. That same season, Bennett was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl. He was also a member of the Patriots historic comeback win in Super Bowl LI.
