The NFL world reacts to Michael Bennett’s retirement announcement

Michael Bennett announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday after an 11-year career which saw him win a Super Bowl and make three Pro Bowls. A slightly undersized defensive end, Bennett had a rare combination of power, speed, and intelligence that made him one of the toughest defenders in the league.

It was with the Seahawks that Bennett won a Super Bowl, and became a famed member of the Legion of Boom defense.

Bennett granted an interview with The New Yorker’s Louisa Thomas to discuss his retirement, and also posted a heartfelt caption to an Instagram post in which he said that “retiring feels a little like death of self, but I’m looking forward to the rebirth – the opportunity to reimagine my purpose.”

Here is the post:

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

After the announcement, NFL players, reporters, and personalities spoke out about the great Bennett.

legend in this game. not sure there will be another like him.

seems like every few years we get draft prospects billed as “the next michael bennett”. there’s only one michael bennett.

not the biggest, not the most conventionally athletic, but the power and balance were rare. https://t.co/5ICfPHlpS2

— charles (#1 wear a damn mask fan) mcdonald (@FourVerts) July 21, 2020

@mosesbread72 say bro i thought you was gon play another 10 honestly!! Dang, big ups to doing it on your own terms!! Salute!!! https://t.co/MgrwOCxNj0

— cameron jordan (@camjordan94) July 21, 2020

Michael Bennett made an amazing career as a defensive lineman wearing kicker shoulder pads and numbers in the 70s.

A true football icon. pic.twitter.com/66gKS58uSj

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) July 21, 2020

Former #Seahawks star Michael Bennett is retiring.

One of the more unique players in Seattle’s history. Was always authentically himself, whether you liked it or not. Used his platform as an athlete for social/racial activism. That will surely continue in his next chapter: pic.twitter.com/8gqemmn0Hh

— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) July 21, 2020

My other favorite Michael Bennett story: I asked him to sit down and watch tape with me a few years back. He said he would only do it if Cliff Avril did it with us, because Bennett believed that Avril was not getting the recognition he deserved.

Voila. https://t.co/IwN1NlboAj

— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 21, 2020

Easily my favorite Michael Bennett story pic.twitter.com/u94dalzNCJ

— Sam HawkBadger (@hwkbgr) July 21, 2020

The Legion of Boom team that dismantled Denver in the Super Bowl would not have been the same without Michael Bennett. One of a kind player and a great guy to boot. https://t.co/0DI0ZfnRvq

— Ben Natan (@TheBenNatan) July 21, 2020

Michael Bennett retiring.

A great player. Unique. Fun to watch.

And owner of the most absurd shoulder pad look in NFL history. Dude was rocking his peewee pads in the NFL: pic.twitter.com/e2jUczilFV

— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) July 21, 2020