Tampa Bay Buccaneers left guard Ali Marpet caused a stir on Sunday by announcing on Instagram that he was retiring.
Marpet is just 28 years old and just wrapped up a season that earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl for the first time. He is considered one of the best if not the best offensive lineman of the Bucs.
According to ESPN, Marpet came to this decision out of concern for his health.
“After seven wonderful years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I have decided to retire from this sport that has given me so much,” he wrote on social media. “This organization and the people around it not only helped me realize a dream, but made me the person I am. Tampa Bay is my home, and I plan to continue giving back to the community in the years to come. »
Second-round pick at the 2015 auction, from Hobert College, he is the player from the 3rd division who was drafted the earliest (61st overall). He was also the first 3rd Division player to be drafted into the top-100 since 1990.
“It’s been one of the best things I’ve ever seen in my professional career, this rapid rise from a star player coming from a small school establishment to one of the best and most complete offensive linemen in the NFL,” Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said in a statement.
