TAMPA, Fla. — In a shocking move, Buccaneers Pro Bowl left guard Ali Marpett is retiring, he announced on Instagram.
Marpet is just 28 years old and has just finished his first Pro Bowl season. He is arguably considered one of the top - if not the top - Buccaneers offensive linemen.
A source told ESPN that Marpet made the decision because of concerns about his overall health.
"After seven terrible years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I have decided to retire from the sport that has given me so much," he wrote in his post. “This organization and the people around it have not only helped fulfill a dream, but have also helped make me the person I am today. I have made Tampa Bay my home and I Look forward to serving this community for years to come. Coaches and teammates, family and friends, one Instagram post just cannot express the profound impact you have had on me. I am forever grateful. Thanks Tampa Bay."
A second-round draft pick out of Hobart College in 2015, Marpet became the most drafted player in Division III history (61st overall). He also became the first Division III player selected in the top 100 of the draft since 1990.
"It's been one of my biggest professional adventures, rapidly ascending from a small college standout to one of the [NFL's] best offensive linemen," Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said in a statement.
The Books already face the daunting challenge of replacing future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady. Another major challenge will be to fill the void left by Marpet, who missed just 12 games in seven seasons.
Marpet was supposed to make $10 million in 2022.
Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said, "I can't say enough about what Ali has meant to our team in the three seasons since my arrival. He has been a fantastic professional and a rock for us." " in a statement. “We will miss him on the field and in the locker room, but I am glad he has the opportunity to go all out as a Super Bowl champion and a pro bowler. It is never easy to say goodbye to a player who means so much to our success. But I support and respect his decision and wish him a wonderful life after football."
Marpett has served on Bucs' social justice advisory board and met with Vice President Kamala Harris last summer during a White House team visit to discuss voting rights.
In his statement, Licht commended Marpet for providing "the vision and passion that was important" to the "launched and ongoing work" of the Buccaneers' social justice advisory board.
From 2018 to 2021, Marpet recorded a 93.7% pass block win rate, ranking ninth in the league among guards, according to ESPN Stats and Information Research. He became one of just six players to post a pass block win rate of 92% or more on guard over the past four seasons, joining Kwantan Nelson, Zack Martin, Joel Bittonio, Brandon Scherf and Andrew Norwell.
Marpet's most memorable play, arguably, was pulling out on Leonard Fournet's 27-yard touchdown run in Super Bowl LV, which the Bucs won 31-9 over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Current and former Buccaneers teammates praised Marpet in the comments of his Instagram post.
"Congratulations, @AliMarpet you are a warrior," Brady posted. "It was an honor!!"
Best friend and left tackle Donovan Smith wrote, "Love you my boy" along with a tear and a heart emoji.
"Had a respectable brother! Enjoy retirement," posted center Ryan Jensen.
Inside linebacker Lavonte David wrote: "Definitely an honor to have my boy in your presence! Enjoy retirement!"
"Love you bro Happy Retirement Champ," wrote wide receiver Mike Evans.
"I think she accomplished her goals, values her health, and is looking for more challenges. Ali has a very strong inner voice, and she's courageous enough to follow through. I'm in awe ,” Marpet's father, Bill, told ESPN.
In addition to the departures of Brady and Marpet, Jensen, a pro bowler, and right guard Alex Kappa, a Pro Bowl alternate, are set to become unrestricted free agent next month.