Tom Brady's former teammate who helped him win Super Bowl retires at age 31

Everyone thought he could be a key part of the Miami Dolphins defense after leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he had other plans. rusher Shaq Barrett told the AFC East organization that he would not suit up for the season as he is thinking about spending more time with his family.

Barrett, who is 31-year-old, is a two-time Super Bowl champion who had a league-leading 19.5 sacks in 2019 and 10 sacks in 2021. He was a contributor in the Denver Broncos Super Bowl run with Peyton Manning in controls and later in his career he helped Tom Brady get another ring.

With that said, the Dolphins' defense now has a big hole to fill as he was considered to be an important part of their team in the season. Reports indicate that the front office respects his decision but it is set to add some fire power to their rushing.

Dolphins seemed to be in trouble

The Miami Dolphins really were making Shaq Barrett part of their defensive pressure schemes as they hoped that he would be able to maintain his -rushing abilities and level throughout the season while giving opportunities to Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb once they recover from season-ending injuries suffered in December.

Barrett recorded 4.5 sacks in 16 starts last season for Tampa Bay and head coach Todd Bowles said in May he thought Barrett would be a "steal" for the Dolphins. "I think he's going to be a bargain for them, and I think he's going to have a very good year," Bowles said. "Shaq is going to be a tough player for them. It is very aggressive. It's fantastic to work with him. He is a great worker."

Barrett spent the last five seasons with Tampa Bay, totaling 45 sacks in 70 games, all as a starter, but now he is away from the sports and the Dolphins are one defensive player less.