Shaquil Barrett surprised the NFL world over the weekend with the announcement of his retirement.
Barrett had signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins in March after being released by Tampa Bay, where he had spent the prior five seasons.
The former Colorado State star pass-rusher said he was stepping away to spend more time with family.
"I'm ready to shift my full focus to my wife and kids and helping them realize (their) dreams," Barrett wrote as part of an Instagram pos t. "I've been thinking about this for a while and the decision has never been more clear (than) it is right now."
Barrett is a two-time Super Bowl champion and former All-Pro.
Barrett and his family experienced tragedy in April 2023 when his 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, drowned in the family's pool . He missed a large portion of the 2022 season with a torn Achilles tendon.
The 31-year-old has long been considered one of the best defensive players in CSU's history and now retires with an excellent NFL resume.
Here is a look at his top moments in the NFL and college.
Path to Colorado State
Barrett's path to CSU and the NFL is a unique one. He began his college football career at Nebraska-Omaha, which disbanded its program after his freshman season. He then transferred to CSU, where he was allowed to play right away rather than sit out as a transfer due to his program disbanding.
He had 2.5 sacks his first season as a Ram (2011) and 3.5 in his second (2012), which set up his eye-popping senior season.
Mountain West honor and New Mexico Bowl stunner
Barrett was No. 5 in the nation in 2013 in both sacks (12) and tackles-for-loss (20.5). The TFL mark set a Mountain West record. Those numbers earned him the MW Defensive Player of the Year award, becoming the first Ram since 2000 to earn that honor.
It all led up to an amazing finale as a Ram.
CSU played Washington State in the 2013 New Mexico Bowl, where CSU trailed by 15 in the fourth quarter.
With less than 2 minutes left, the Rams were down eight when Barrett stripped the ball from a Washington State running back and fell on the loose ball.
It set up the tying score and the Rams would go on for a wild last-minute victory. He was named the defensive MVP of the game.
Undrafted, but key role for Broncos Super Bowl
Despite his excellence as a Ram, Barrett went undrafted in 2014 and signed with the Denver Broncos as a free agent. He didn't play in any games as a rookie. He led the league in preseason sacks in 2015 to earn a roster spot.
Barrett had 5.5 sacks in 2015 and was a key piece of the defensive rotation as the Broncos went on to win the Super Bowl.
He played with the Broncos through 2018. He finished his Denver career with 14 sacks in 61 games.
Barrett flourishes with Tampa Bay
The move to Tampa Bay was immediately fruitful. Barrett exploded in a more prominent role. He racked up 19.5 sacks in 2019, making second-team All-Pro and setting the franchise record for sacks in a season for the Buccaneers.
He followed it up with eight sacks in 2020, plus sacks of Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs to help Tampa Bay win the NFC and then beat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
His play earned Barrett a four-year extension worth $72 million in 2021. He added another 10 sacks in the season following the extension. He then tore his Achilles in 2022 after playing in eight games. Barrett had 4.5 sacks last season before Tampa Bay released him in a cost-savings move.
Move to Miami, CSU meet-up
For a bit, it looked like former CSU pass rushers would pair up in Miami's colors. The Dolphins selected CSU star Mohamed Kamara in the the 2024 NFL draft after signing Barrett to a one-year deal.
But Barrett stepped away from the game prior to training camp, which now opens up opportunity for Kamara to earn more playing time.
Barrett retires with 59 career sacks.
Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on X and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle .
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Top moments of career for Super Bowl champion, former CSU star Shaquil Barrett
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