Former Patriots Michael Bennett announces his retirement from football

Michael Bennett has decided to walk away from the NFL.

The former New England Patriot announced his retirement on Tuesday. Bennett referenced that he would like to spend time with his family, including his brother, Martellus, who appeared in 18 games with New England over two stints in 2016-17.

In an interview with the New Yorker, Bennett stated that he wants to help athletes fight against social and racial injustices.

According to the writer, Louisa Thomas, Bennett referenced the NFL draft, and how it is “white men who run NFL teams were picking the black men who would play for them.” That was just one instance of the injustices that Bennett sees in the world of sports when it comes to African Americans.

Bennett also took to his Instagram to announce his retirement himself.

View this post on Instagram

Retiring feels a little like death of self, but I’m looking forward to the rebirth – the opportunity to reimagine my purpose. ⠀ I would like to thank my wife and children, who have sacrificed so much for me to succeed. I’m looking forward to supporting them the same way they have me these past 11 years. I have never been more at peace in my life. ⠀ As the great Toni Morrison said: “Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.“

A post shared by Michael Bennett (@mosesbread72) on Jul 21, 2020 at 3:37am PDT

The defensive end finished his career with 69.5 sacks, three Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl championship. Now, he starts the next chapter in his journey, which includes a great goal of helping others overcome and change the racial injustices in the world today.

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