The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have to fill another huge hole on their roster for the 2022 season. After quarterback Tom Brady retired from NFL earlier this year, the Bucs now learned that Pro Bowl guard Ali Marpet intends to do the same.
But while Brady’s retirement was somewhat expected, Marpet’s caught Tampa Bay off guard. The former second-round pick from 2015 was coming off his best season as a pro, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. He is also only 28 and had two more years on his deal that came with a base salary of $10+ million in each.
“After seven formidable years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I’ve come to the decision to retire from the game that has given me so much,” Marpet wrote on Instagram, announcing his decision. “This organization and the people surrounding it have helped not only fulfill a dream, but also helped build me into the person I am today … I’m eternally grateful. Thank you Tampa Bay.”
The Buccaneers shared the news on social media as well, attaching statements from general manager Jason Licht and head coach Bruce Arians.
While Marpet didn’t share details about his retirement, ESPN reports that he made the decision due to concerns about his health.
Ali Marpet played college football at Hobart College, where he spent four years. After the Bucs took him with the 61st overall pick, he became only the second player in the school’s history to be drafted. He is also the highest-drafted Division III player in history.
Since turning pro, Marpet played as a right guard, center, and left guard for the Bucs. He played 101 games as a pro, all of which came as a starter.
