Even before he played a down for the Miami Dolphins, Shaquil Barrett announced his retirement from the NFL.
Barrett, who spent most of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, signed with the Dolphins in March.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Barrett told the Dolphins he wanted to spend more time with his family. Barrett, who has four kids, welcomed a baby girl with his wife, Jordanna, earlier this year less than 12 months after the couple’s then-2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, died in a tragic drowning incident.
Barrett, who announced his decision on social media, said he’s been thinking about retirement for a while.
“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,” Barrett. “I’m ready to 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,” Barrett added.
This is the fourth linebacker the Dolphins have lost this year even before training camp opened. They lost Andrew Van Ginkel to free agency and lost Bradley Chubb (torn ACL), and Jaelan Phillips (torn Achilles) to season-ending injuries.
Barrett, 31, ended his NFL career with 59 sacks and 400 tackles.
