Veteran linebacker Shaq Barrett has announced his retirement from the NFL, citing his family life as the reason for his sudden departure from the sport.
Barrett, who is best known for winning two Super Bowls during his time with the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, made the decision to retire just months after signing with the Miami Dolphins.
The linebacker’s last few years have been marked by tragedy, including the drowning of his 2-year-old daughter Arrayah in the family swimming pool last April.
Barrett retired from the NFL on Saturday after a solid career with the Broncos and Buccaneers
Arrayah (top left) was the fourth child of the Barretts after sons Braylon, Shaquil Jr., and Aalayah
Barrett and his wife Jordanna have since celebrated the birth of another baby girl, Allanah, nine months after the tragic death of their fourth child.
The couple also have sons Braylon, 10, and Shaquil Jr., 11, as well as daughter Aaliyah, 8.
Barrett’s decision to retire is likely influenced by his desire to focus on his family and help his children realize their dreams.
Both of the Super Bowls Barrett won came with one of the best quarterbacks of all-time winning a ring with a new team in the twilight years of their career — Peyton Manning in 2016 and Tom Brady in 2021.
‘It’s time for me to hang it up,’ Barrett said on social media. ‘It’s been a great ride and I appreciate everything that came with it over the years. I’m ready to shift my full focus to my wife and kids and helping them realize their dreams and catch them.’
‘Anyone who caught their dreams before know the work, time, and consistency required to reach them,’ Barrett continued. ‘I’m ready to start building those skills up in my kids which will take 100% commitment .’
‘(I know) to some it’ll be a surprise but I’ve been thinking about this for a while and the decision has never been more clear (than) it is now,’ Barrett concluded.
Last season, Barrett played in 15 out of a possible 17 games, starting in the ones he appeared in.
Tampa Bay finished first in the NFC South with a 9-8 record, beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round of the playoffs before losing to the Detroit Lions in the Divisional round.
