The Bucs have at least one more starter to replace. On Sunday, Pro Bowl guard Ali Marpet announced his retirement from the NFL.
“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. “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’ve made Tampa Bay my home and I look forward to serving this community in the coming years. To the coaches and teammates, family and friends, an Instagram post simply can’t express the profound impact you’ve had on me. I’m eternally grateful. Thank you Tampa Bay.”
Marpet joined the Bucs as a second-round pick in 2015. Ever since, he’s spent his entire career in Tampa. The lineman has started each of his 101 games since entering the NFL, including a Super Bowl-winning 2020 campaign where he started each of his 13 regular season games and all four of his postseason contests. This past season, he suited up for 16 regular season contests en route to his first Pro Bowl selection.
This announcement comes as a huge surprise — Marpet won’t turn 29 until April and is arguably coming off of his best season yet. Last year, he allowed just two sacks in total while collecting only four penalty flags. And, in his 16 regular season games, Pro Football Focus assigned him an 86.3 score for his run-blocking, matching his own personal best.
Marpet still had two years and nearly $20MM to go on his contract, but he’ll be leaving all of that on the table as he turns his attention to new endeavors. His retirement will give the Buccaneers some additional space to work with, but it won’t be easy to replace his production. Meanwhile, they may have to make other moves on the offensive line with center Ryan Jensen and right guard Alex Cappa scheduled for free agency.
Well, that’s surprising. Marpet was certainly one of the best guards in the league. Bucs will look a lot different in the next two years.
You’d think this would actually be way more common in the NFL. It’s just the smartest decision a player can make if their in a position to do it. Get a bag, plus some fame, and then get out of the brutal sport with your health intact.
True, true.
That’s what I did
Made some money, won a super bowl, will probably never be topped for greatest NFL player from Hobart. Good on him.
NFL yes, but Pierre McGuire (NHL) also went there.
He’ll make more in commentary w/o the wear and tear of playing. Good for him to figure it out.
More than 20M over 2 yrs? Doubt it. But yes good for him to know when to hang them up.
Why do I have a feeling this guy and a few other recent retirees will be extras in the Tom Brady movie?
Gronkowski 2.0. Where’s Tommy playing, I’ll go there…
legitimately what