Shaquil Barrett, Former Broncos and CSU Edge Rusher, Announces Retirement
Shaquil Barrett, who emerged as a standout from the Denver Broncos’ undrafted ranks, has announced his retirement. Barrett, who later moved to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and became one of the NFL’s top pass rushers, is a two-time Pro Bowler who led the league in sacks in 2019 and played a key role in defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV.
At 31, just days before starting training camp with the Miami Dolphins, Barrett decided to retire. He shared on Instagram that he wants to spend more time with his family.
“I’m ready to fully focus on my wife and kids and help them achieve their dreams,” Barrett wrote on Instagram. “Anyone who has achieved their dreams knows the effort, time, and consistency it takes. I want to start building those skills in my kids, which requires my complete commitment.”
Barrett’s nine-season NFL career was a dream come true, especially considering his rocky start. After Nebraska-Omaha discontinued its football program following his freshman year in 2010, Barrett transferred to Colorado State, where he recorded 18 sacks over three seasons and earned the Mountain West Conference’s defensive player of the year award.
Despite his college success, Barrett went undrafted. The Broncos signed him, but he spent his rookie year on the practice squad. He debuted in 2015, starting six games when Demarcus Ware was injured. Barrett quickly proved himself, with 5.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 2015 as the Broncos won Super Bowl 50.
However, the Broncos were hesitant to make Barrett a full-time starter. After Ware’s retirement, the Broncos chose 2015 first-round pick Shane Ray as the starter opposite Von Miller, and even when Ray was injured, Barrett’s starting role was temporary. The Broncos’ selection of Bradley Chubb in 2018 further limited Barrett’s chances of becoming a starter in Denver.
In Tampa Bay, Barrett’s career flourished. After signing with the Buccaneers in free agency in 2019, he had a breakout season with 19.5 sacks. Though he didn’t replicate that number in subsequent seasons, he was instrumental in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV victory. His standout performance in the playoffs, including three sacks in the NFC Championship Game and multiple pressures on Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl, echoed the impact of his mentors, Ware and Miller.
Tragedy struck Barrett and his family in April 2023 when his daughter, Arrayah, tragically drowned at their Tampa home. Despite returning to play the following season, Barrett’s time with the Buccaneers ended after he tore his Achilles tendon, leading to his release on March 13. The Dolphins signed him five days later, but Barrett chose to retire without playing a game for Miami, prioritizing his family instead.
