Michael Bennett announced that he will be retiring after 11 seasons in the NFL. The veteran Defensive End is a three-time Pro Bowler and was a part of the Seahawks Super Bowl championship in 2014.
Bennett took to Instagram to explain his decision, and talk about his life after retirement. “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,” the post reads.
The post ends with a quote from The Great, Toni Morrison, “Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.”
The 34-year-old was best known for his run of three consecutive Pro Bowls with the Seahawks from 2015-17. He finished his career with 69.5 sacks, 359 tackles, and 10 forced fumbles. In addition to his years with the Seahawks from 2013-17, he also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019-12), Philadelphia Eagles (2018), and finished his career in 2019 split between the New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys.
