Bucs Pro Bowl guard following Tom Brady’s lead, shockingly retires at 28

With quarterback Tom Brady now out of the game at 44 years young, Pro Bowl Bucs guard Ali Marpet followed his lead.

Marpet is just 28 years old, making this a relative surprise. The Pro Bowl guard announced his decision on social media, stating a need to step away from the game he loves.

The Buccaneers lost in the divisional round this past playoffs to the eventual Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams. It was likely the last game of Brady’s — and now Marpet’s — careers should they choose not to come back to the NFL in some form.

Marpet released the following statement on Instagram:

"“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. 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.”"

How old is Ali Marpet?

Marpet was just 28, which makes his choice to retire from the league all the more surprising. He played just seven years in Tampa Bay.

However, Marpet is far from the only player to retire at a shockingly young age. Considering all the health challenges that go into playing professional football, Marpet opted instead to pursue another venture, whatever that may be.

Ali Marpet contract

Marpet signed a five-year, $54 million contract in 2018.

Ali Marpet net worth

Marpet has made at least $23 million so far in his football career, not counting whatever signing bonus he received in 2018.

Playing football professionally was a childhood dream, as Marpet said in his statement. Whatever the next phase in his life may be, you can bet he’ll make it notable.