Michael Bennett is calling it a career after 11 NFL seasons. Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Bennett announces he's retiring from NFL

By Blake Harper | Last updated 7/21/20

Michael Bennett announced that he will be retiring from football after 11 seasons in the NFL, ending an impressive career that includes winning a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.

"Retiring feels a little like death of self, but I'm looking forward to the rebirth -- the opportunity to reimagine my purpose," Bennett wrote on Instagram. "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 defensive lineman went undrafted, but was then picked up by Seattle. However, the team waived him a few weeks into the season and he ended up signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a few seasons in Tampa Bay, Bennett returned to Seattle and ended up becoming a foundational piece of one of the most dominant defensive units in NFL history.

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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

Over the past two years, Bennett became a bit of a journeyman, playing for the Eagles, Patriots and Cowboys. During his 11 seasons in the league, Bennett made three Pro Bowls while racking up 359 tackles and 69.5 sacks.

While Bennett is leaving football, that does not mean he is leaving the public spotlight altogether. Bennet told Louisa Thomas of the New Yorker that he plans to continue to use his platform to fight racial inequality in America. He also hosts a podcast "Mouthpeace" and is currently developing a TV script based on his book, "Things That Make White People Uncomfortable."

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