EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 02: Michael Bennett #72 of the Seattle Seahawks listens to the screaming fans as he exits the field after the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 2, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Michael Bennett announced his retirement from the NFL after 11 seasons in the league
After an incredible career in the trenches for five different teams, 34-year-old defensive end Michael Bennett has decided to hang up his cleats and retire from the National Football League. The 6-4, 275-pounder announced the news on Tuesday morning.
While Bennett may not end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, that doesn’t mean he didn’t have a sensational career. He’s perhaps best known for his time in Seattle, where he helped the Seahawks win their first ever Super Bowl back in February of 2014.
When you look back on Bennett’s time in the Emerald City, there’s no question he was the heart and soul of the defensive line. And after all the success he had with the organization, he’s most certainly earned a spot in the Seahawks Ring of Honor one day.
The case for Michael Bennett as a legendary Seahawks player
As soon as Bennett arrived in the 206 for the 2013 season, he made his presence felt in a big way. During that first campaign with the Hawks, Bennett posted 31 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. His best year for Pete Carroll and Co. came in 2015, where he recorded 52 stops and 10 sacks. Those impressive numbers led to a trip to the Pro Bowl, his first of three with Seattle.
During his five seasons with the Seahawks, Bennett made 195 tackles and had 39 sacks. While he may have driven some fans nuts during those five years because of his countless offsides penalties, those same angered supporters were able to let things slide because of just how talented he was for the team. It felt like whenever a big play needed to be made upfront, No. 72 was ready to deliver.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOM98vOIiWw
After 11 memorable years wreaking havoc on NFL quarterbacks (69.5 career sacks), Bennett has now called it a career to spend more time with his family, focus on his health and make more of a difference in the fight against racial inequalities.
One day down the road, perhaps when he’s got more gray hairs on his head and beard, the Seahawks would be wise to induct him into the Ring of Honor. It’s something the pass-rusher most certainly deserves.