After ten professional seasons spanning five teams, tight end Martellus Bennett announced his retirement from the NFL Friday night.
Bennett, a second round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2008 NFL Draft, compiled 433 receptions for 4,573 yards and 30 touchdowns in ten seasons as a pro.
After departing the Cowboys for free agency in 2011, Bennett spent a season with the New York Giants in 2012 before signing a four year deal with the Chicago Bears that saw his only Pro Bowl selection in 2014. He finished the 2014 season with a career best 90 receptions for 916 yards and six touchdowns.
In 2016, Bennett signed a one year contract with the New England Patriots and played a key role filling in for an injured Rob Gronkowski during the teams run to its fifth Super Bowl championship. Prior to 2016 Bennett had only participated in two playoff games with the Dallas Cowboys in 2009.
After departing the Patriots and signing a three year contract with the Green Bay Packers in 2017, Bennett battled injuries and controversy in his final season. Bennett was waived by the Packers in November 2017 citing a failure to disclose a medical condition designation to which he responded with an Instagram story explaining his side of the situation. The Patriots would claim him back off waivers but he would only be active for one game before being placed on season ending injured reserve with shoulder and hamstring problems.
Bennett, a noted frequent user of social media, made the announcement over his Instagram account with a lengthy goodbye posting thanking those who helped make his career possible.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bgr3KevAXy7/?hl=en&taken-by=martellusb
Here are some funny, off the field, Marty moments from his short, but memorable stay during his time in Foxborough.
New #Patriots TE Martellus Bennett @MartysaurusRex seems like a real character. Let's hope he stays that way! #wbz pic.twitter.com/Ymf7I2Rde8
— Scott Sullivan (@sullybunZ) June 7, 2016
.@MartysaurusRex on why he wants to be a winner #Patriots #WBZ pic.twitter.com/G9qwFm6t0G
— Joe Giza (@JoeGiza) September 14, 2016
DYK #Patriots TE @MartysaurusRex turns into an action hero when he puts his helmet on?? He explains @ #ForbesUnder30Summit #Under30Summit pic.twitter.com/Yammk1WLrA
— Scott Sullivan (@sullybunZ) October 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/SullyBunz/status/928737547685122048
(h/t: WBZ-TV Boston)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbNq_znHop8
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