“Dolphins in shambles” – 2x Super Bowl champion Shaquil Barrett announces retirement to focus on family

10 year NFL veteran Shaquil Barrett announced that he was retiring from football to spend more time with his family members after just five months into his Dolphins contract.

“Dolphins in shambles” – 2x Super Bowl champion Shaquil Barrett announces retirement to focus on family

Dolphins LB Shaquil Barrett retires (image via IMAGO)

Only five months into his Miami Dolphins contract, Shaquil Barrett announced his retirement from football. The two-time Super Bowl winner wants to spend more time with his family.

Being one of the casualties of an inflated salary cap for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Barrett decided to mutually part ways and try his luck elsewhere. In March, he signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Dolphins.

YouTube video

However, on Saturday, July 20, Shaquil Barrett shared that he was retiring from football. He wrote down a farewell message on Instagram, disclosing the reason for his sudden decision.

FS Video
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 help them realize their dreams, and catch them. Anyone who caught their dreams before [know] the work, time, and consistency required to reach them.
Shaquil Barrett wrote
RELATED
Why giving Tyreek Hill a new contract should be Dolphins’ No.1 priority?
Why giving Tyreek Hill a new contract should be Dolphins' No.1 priority?

Netizens and football fans reacted to Shaquil Barrett’s retirement

Barrett entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Colorado State in 2014. The Denver Broncos took a chance on the rookie linebacker, signing him to the practice squad. He went on to play for five years at Mile High, winning a Super Bowl during his first full season in 2015.

“Dolphins in shambles” - Super Bowl champion Shaquil Barrett announces retirement to focus on family
Shaquil Barrett (Image via IMAGO)

In 2019, he switched from Boulder Country to Miami after signing with the Buccaneers, and in his first year, he lodged 19.5 sacks. The following season, Barrett lifted his second Lombardi Trophy.

However, a tragedy in 2023 turned his world upside down. His youngest daughter, Arrayah, tragically drowned in their backyard pool. She was only two years old.

Even though Barrett played 16 games after the incident and recorded 52 tackles and 4.5 sacks, his heart did not seem to be in it any longer. He was in good shape and perhaps could have played a few more years, but he had a change of heart.

I’m ready to start building them skills up in my kids, which will take 100% commitment. Ik to some it'll be a surprise, but l've been thinking about this for a while, and the decision has never been more clear than it is now.
Shaquil Barrett wrote

Check out below some reactions of netizens on this latest news:

The announcement genuinely shocked the football world. He will no longer be able to fulfill his dream of winning Super Bowls with three different teams.

Will Shaquil Barrett’s retirement hurt the Dolphins?

General Manager Will Grier signed Barrett because the Dolphins were short on the defensive front. Both linebackers, Bradley Chubb (ACL) and Jaelen Phillips (Achilles) will start training camp on the PUP list.

This will undoubtedly put more pressure on rookie edge rushers Chop Robinson and Mo Kamara. Robinson, in particular, looked forward to learning from Barrett. Yet they can always rely on Jordyn Brooks, whom they signed from the Seahawks in March.

In case you missed it: