Michael Bennett Retires From NFL After 11 Seasons

Three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Bennett is stepping away from the game. As confirmed through a post on his Instagram account, Bennett shared his decision to retire from the NFL after 11 professional seasons.

View this post on Instagram

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

Bennett was most recently traded from the New England Patriots to the Dallas Cowboys, but was unable to find the form that led him to be named to the Pro Bowl from 2015 through 2017.

Perhaps best known for his time with the Seattle Seahawks, Bennett was instrumental in the Seattle defensive unit that lifted their team to victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 48. The Seahawks, with Bennett still in tow, would attempt to repeat in Super Bowl 49, but would fall to the Patriots.

In 2018, Michael’s brother and fellow Pro Bowler Martellus Bennett also chose to announce an end to his professional football career.