Martellus Bennett confirms he will not return to Patriots

Former NFL tight end Martellus Bennett confirmed on Sunday that he plans to stay retired and will not return to the New England Patriots.

As much fun as it was to imagine retired tight end Martellus Bennett making a triumphant return to the NFL and rejoining the New England Patriots to play alongside his brother, it looks as if that dream may now be dead. Never say never, but Bennett essentially closed the door on rumors of his return via an Instagram post on Sunday.

The post features a number of photos of young children reading his book, “Dear Black Boy,” alongside a lengthy message wherein he explains that “this is why I can’t come out of retirement.”

"“I would love to play ball with my brother it would truly be a dream come true. But my biggest dream is to change lives with my creativity and that is what I am currently doing @theimaginationagency these kids don’t need another athlete to look up to or to aspire to be there’s plenty of inspiration out there for that. I want to inspire the next wave of creatives,” Bennett wrote on Instagram."

Bennett labeled himself “a creative who enjoyed competing,” acknowledging he never felt quite at home in a football locker room or in athletics. It’s an interesting, unique take from an individual who clearly had the genetic make-up, work ethic, and talent necessary to succeed at the very highest level of a particular sport, but for whatever reason, apparently never loved that sport as much as he loves art, creativity, imagination, and inspiring youth.

Patriots fans were understandably optimistic that Bennett might have reconsidered his retirement stance, especially with the news that his brother Michael Bennett had been traded over from the Philadelphia Eagles. Moreover, superstar tight end Rob Gronkowski has been openly pondering retirement now for at least two years, and his return to the Patriots in 2019 is still a matter of legitimate question and concern.

As disappointing as it may be to accept that Bennett probably isn’t coming back at this point, it’s at least encouraging to see him following his passion and making a positive difference in the world doing what he loves.