Former Denver Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett has unexpectedly announced his retirement, despite signing with a new team this offseason.
Adam Schefter of ESPN broke the news. Barrett, who was undrafted in 2014, played 10 seasons in the NFL. The Broncos signed him after a strong career at Colorado State, endearing him to the fanbase.
Although he didn’t play in 2014, Barrett made six starts in 2015, recording 5.5 sacks and contributing to a defense that led the Broncos to a Super Bowl 50 victory. He continued as a solid rotational pass-rusher for three more seasons in Denver. However, with Von Miller and Bradley Chubb ahead of him, Barrett sought more playing time after the 2018 season.
He took a chance on himself by signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and in 2019, he had a breakout season, leading the league with 19.5 sacks and earning a Pro Bowl selection, which he achieved twice while with Tampa.
Shaquil Barrett calls it a career
In March, Barrett signed a free-agent deal with the Miami Dolphins. However, he will never play a down for them, choosing instead to retire and spend more time with his family. Barrett’s career concludes with 400 total tackles, 59 sacks, three interceptions, 22 forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries, an impressive achievement for an undrafted player.
