Shaq Barrett makes huge retirement U-turn after giving up on the NFL in the wake of his daughter's tragic death

Four months after Shaq Barrett retired from the NFL, he is officially making a comeback attempt, reportedly asking the league to reinstate him immediately. 

Barrett cited his family life for the sudden retirement, with his move away from football coming months after signing with the Miami Dolphins, who hold his contractual rights.

Barrett’s last few years have been heartbreaking. His 2-year-old daughter Arrayah drowned in the family swimming pool last April. 

The NFL trade deadline has passed, with the Dolphins needing to officially release Barrett should he want to suit up for a playoff contender, per ESPN.  

Barrett was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February, missing out on a $15.04million option bonus he was due in March. 

Barrett is best known for winning two Super Bowls, one each during his time with the Denver Broncos and Buccaneers. 

Barrett has been through a tough time personally, with his daughter Arrayah drowning in 2023

Barrett and his wife Jordanna have since celebrated the birth of another baby girl, with Allanah born nine months on from the tragic death of their fourth child.  

The couple also have sons Braylon, 10, and Shaquil Jr., 11, as well as daughter Aaliyah, 8.

Earlier this month, Jordanna announced on Instagram she was pregnant with another child, a baby girl, in what she called ‘our final chapter’.  

Both of the Super Bowls Barrett won came with one of the best quarterbacks of all-time winning a ring with a new team in the twilight years of their career — Peyton Manning in 2016 and Tom Brady in 2021. 

Last season, Barrett played a 15 out of a possible 17 games, starting in the ones he appeared in.