Buccaneers Pro Bowl guard Ali Marpet retires at age 28

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have another key player to replace after 28-year-old offensive lineman Ali Marpet surprisingly retired Sunday.

"After seven formidable years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I’ve come to the decision to retire from the game that has given me so much," Marpet announced on Instagram. "This organization and the people surrounding it have helped not only fulfill a dream, but also helped build me into the person I am today. I’ve made Tampa Bay my home and I look forward to serving this community in the coming years. 

"To the coaches and teammates, family and friends, an Instagram post simply can’t express the profound impact you’ve had on me. I’m eternally grateful. Thank you Tampa Bay. "

Marpet was a second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, despite playing at Division III Hobart College. He still holds the record as the highest-drafted player ever from Division III and immediately became a full-time starter for Tampa Bay at guard. While he spent the 2017 season at center, Marpet was moved back to guard in 2018 after the Buccaneers added Ryan Jensen to the roster in free agency.

The reworked offensive line pushed the Buccaneers offense to new heights and — after the addition of Tom Brady at quarterback — a win in Super Bowl LV. In 2021, Marpet earned his first career Pro Bowl nod.