Former Bucs player Shaq Barrett announces retirement

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer linebacker Shaquil Barrett announced his retirement on Saturday.

In a surprise announcement, the 31-year-old took to Instagram to share his retirement, after recently signing a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins.

“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. 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. [I know] to some it’ll be a surprise but I’ve been thinking about this for awhile and the decision has never been more clear than it is now.”

The linebacker spent five seasons in Tampa Bay, breaking the franchise’s single-season sack record.

“[Shaq Barrett] played a huge role in the team’s Super Bowl run in 2020,” WFLA’s Kenny Morales said.

Barrett was cut by the Bucs in March.

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