Why did Shaquil Barrett retire? Exploring the reason behind 2x Super Bowl champ's exit after 9 seasons

Miami Dolphins linebacker Shaquil Barrett announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday afternoon. Barrett played in the NFL from 2014 to 2023 and was a two-time Pro Bowler, a Second-Team All-Pro, and a two-time Super Bowl champion.

After signing with the Miami Dolphins this off-season as a free agent in March, Barrett had a change of heart and decided to hang the cleats. He decided to retire to commit more of his time to his family.

In a post on Instagram, Barrett cited that he wants to help his wife and kids chase their dreams while giving them more time.

"It's time for me to hang it up, Barrett wrote in the Instagram post. "It's been a great ride and I appreciate everything that came with it over the years. I'm ready ot shift my full focus to my wife and kids and helping them realize there 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. Ik to some it'll be a surprise but I've been thinking about this for a while and the decision has never beem more clear then it is now."

Barrett and his wife, Jordanna Barrett, have four children. The couple welcomed their youngest child, Allanah Ray, in February.

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Shaquil Barrett's career was highlighted by a record-setting year in 2019 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Shaquil Barrett during Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Green Bay Packers

Shaquil Barrett went undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft. After receiving interest from the Denver Broncos and the Pittsburgh Steelers, he signed with Broncos and sat his rookie season. The following year, he registered 5.5 sacks.

After three more mediocre seasons with Denver, Barrett signed with the Tampa Bay Bucaneers as a free agent in 2019 and had a career best year, recording 19.5 sacks, breaking the Buccaneers franchise record.

Barrett would spend the next four seasons with Tampa Bay, recording 25.5 sacks in that span. He signed with the Miami Dolphins this off-season after becoming a free agent, but won't play a snap as a member of the team with his retirement.

Barrett retires with a total of 400 tackles, 59 sacks, three interceptions, 18 pass deflections, 22 forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries. He won two Super Bowls, one with the Broncos and one with the Buccaneers. He earned a total of $78 million in his career.