Three-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl Champion Michael Bennett announced on Instagram Tuesday that he’s retiring from the NFL. Bennett played 11 years in the league.
“Retiring feels a little like death of self, but I’m looking forward to the rebirth – the opportunity to reimagine my purpose,” Bennett said 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.”
Bennett will be known as the elite Defensive End of the 2014 Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks who’s defense was historically excellent allowing only 8 points in the Super Bowl game.
Toward the end of his career, the 34-year-old also became known for his activism on behalf of African-Americans. Bennett was one of many players who kneeled in protest of police brutality, and Bennett has also been one of the more outspoken voices in the league politically.
In 2018, Bennett wrote a book titled “Things That Make White People Uncomfortable,” and since then has engaged in education reform in the United States.
Bennett leaves the NFL as a member of the Dallas Cowboys.
