Former Seattle Seahawk defensive end Michael Bennett has recently decided to hang up his cleats for good. There were speculations earlier in the season that he still wanted to play another season, but no deal was made to acquiring his services. He last played during the 2019 season as a Dallas Cowboy.
The 11-year veteran spoke to Louisa Thomas of the New Yorker on his decision:
“Retiring feels a little like the 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 came into the league as an undrafted player in the 2009 NFL Draft. He went on to sign with the Seattle Seahawks, but was soon after waived. He then took his talents to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers side and stayed for three years. In 2013, he found his way back to Seattle where he spent four more productive seasons. The Texas A&M product also had short stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, and the Dallas Cowboys.
The 6'4″, 274-pound player won the Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seattle Seahawks back in 2013. He was also a three-time Pro Bowler in straight seasons from 2015-2017.
At the end of his career, Michael Bennett accounted for 359 total tackles, 69.5 sacks, and 10 forced fumbles.
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