Michael Bennett, a Protest Pioneer, Retires From the N.F.L.

Michael Bennett, the standout N.F.L. defensive end who spoke out forcefully against racial injustice during his career, said he was retiring after an 11-year career, primarily with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Seattle Seahawks.

“Retiring feels a little like death of self, but I’m looking forward to the rebirth — the opportunity to reimagine my purpose,” Bennett, 34, wrote on Instagram. “I have never been more at peace in my life.”

Bennett, like his younger brother, Martellus, a tight end who last played in the N.F.L. in the 2017 season, never shied away from sharing his opinions. In 2017, after the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va., Bennett was part of a group of players who began protesting during the playing of the national anthem to raise awareness of police brutality and other forms of injustice. But while most players knelt or raised a fist during the anthem, Bennett drew extra attention because he chose to sit on the bench.

He was later joined by a white teammate, offensive lineman Justin Britt, who put his hand on Bennett’s shoulder in solidarity.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/21/sports/football/michael-bennett-retire-nfl.html