2-Time Super Bowl Champion Announces Unexpected Retirement

Two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Shaq Barrett won't play for the Miami Dolphins after all.

Barrett announced on Instagram that he plans to retire from the NFL to spend more time with his family.

"It's time for me to hang it up. It's been a great ride and I appreciate everything that came with it over the years," Barrett wrote Saturday in an Instagram post . "I'm ready to shift my full focus to my wife and kids and helping them realize their dreams and catch em."

"Anyone who caught their dreams before know the work, time and consistency required to reach them. I'm ready to start building them skills up in my kids which will take 100% commitment."

The announcement came as a significant surprise.

Not only did Barrett sign a 1-year, $7 million contract with the Dolphins about four months ago to play in the 2024 season, he is only 31 years old.

Barrett began his NFL career with the Denver Broncos. He recorded 5.5 sacks as a rookie and helped the team win the Super Bowl during the 2015–16 season.

After four seasons with the Broncos, Barrett joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his first season with Tampa Bay in 2019, he led the NFL with 19.5 sacks.

Barrett reached double digits in sacks again in 2021. He made the Pro Bowl in both seasons.

Barrett registered 8 sacks in between his two Pro Bowl seasons in 2020. The Buccaneers won the Super Bowl that year.

The 31-year-old is retiring from the league with 59 sacks, 73 tackles for loss, 22 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions in 131 career games.