The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were already in a hole at the game’s most important position following Tom Brady’s retirement. Now, head coach Bruce Arians, offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, and the rest of Tampa Bay’s offensive coaching staff has another hill to climb this offseason. On Sunday, left guard Ali Marpet announced his retirement from professional football — at age 28.
“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,” Marpet wrote on his Instagram account. “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 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 on me. I am eternally grateful. Thank you, Tampa Bay.”
Marpet, selected by…