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Ex-Patriots DE Michael Bennett announces NFL retirement via Instagram

Veteran defensive end Michael Bennett announced his NFL retirement Tuesday morning in an Instagram post.

"Retiring feels a little like death of self, but I'm looking forward to the rebirth - the opportunity to reimagine my purpose," Bennett wrote before thanking his wife and children for supporting him during his 11-year NFL career.

Bennett earned three Pro Bowl nods over 11 seasons played primarily with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009 to 2012) and Seahawks (2013 to 2017), and won a Super Bowl during his first season in Seattle.

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The 34-year-old came to New England in March 2019 via trade the Philadelphia Eagles and appeared in six games for the Patriots last season, starting one and tallying 2.