Syracuse Football: Parris Bennett retires with the Green Bay Packers
Former Syracuse football star Parris Bennett announced his retirement from the game of football. Here’s some juicy details on the decision.
In a shocking turn of events, former Syracuse football star Parris Bennett announced his retirement from the game of football.
The Green Bay Packers made it official by placing him on the reserve/retired list earlier today.
From Packers sources that I talked too, Bennett had really impressed the Green Bay brass. The expectation early on suggested that Parris would be pushing for one of those precious 53 roster spots.
The news was revealed by Bennett on his Instagram account:
"“Today I made the hardest decision of my life, to walk away from the game I love. I’ve given everything to this sport but I know my health is ultimately the most important thing. 15 years with this game and I have no regrets, I just hope I made everyone around me proud. On to the next chapter, I’ll always love this game.”"
Parris spent four of those 15 yeas with the Syracuse football team where he became one of the best linebackers in program history. Not that you needed proof, but here it is anyway according to Stephen Bailey of Syracuse.com, ‘Bennett turned in back-to-back 100 tackle seasons as an upperclassman — becoming the first Syracuse player to accomplish that since Keith Bullock in 1998-99.’
Not enough people recognize him in that manner because he didn’t scream it from the rooftops. He often lived in the shadow of his former teammate and current Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin.
Obviously the Syracuse football team has huge shoes to fill at the linebacker spot heading into 2018 without these two beasts on the squad.
Speaking of, Parris was a quiet but steady fixture on the hill for the Orange. In four seasons, he collected over 270 tackles, two sacks, four forced fumbles and created such a meaningful impact on this University.
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I texted Bennett to send him Orange Nation’s best regards and he reiterated that he’s ‘good’ and that he’s ready for the next chapter in his life.