Tampa Bay Buccaneers left guard Ali Marpet announced his retirement from the NFL on Sunday over social media.
Marpet, 28, was named to the Pro Bowl this past season. He started 16 games in 2021 and 101 in his career since being selected by the Buccaneers in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Hobart College, a Division III program in upstate New York.
“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,” he wrote.
Marpet became the Buccaneers’ second high-profile player to retire after the season. Star quarterback Tom Brady announced he was hanging up the cleats on Feb. 1.
Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians praised Marpet for all that he has done for the team.
“I can’t say enough about what Ali has meant to our team over the three seasons since my arrival,” Arians said.
“He has been the consummate professional and has been a rock for us in the interior of our offensive line. We will miss him on the field and in the locker room, but I am happy that he gets to go out as a Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowler. It is never easy saying goodbye to a player who has meant so much to our success, but I support and respect his decision and wish him a great life after football,” Arians said.
The Buccaneers’ offensive line could be in for a major overhaul this season. Right guard Alex Cappa and center Ryan Jensen are set to be free agents.
–Field Level Media