Talib retires despite offer to return to Patriots
Five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Aqib Talib is retiring from the NFL despite an offer to return to the New England Patriots, he announced Wednesday.
Talib, a 12-year veteran, said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick offered him a contract for up to around $6 million and a unique role that would've had him cover tight ends if he accepted it.
The 34-year-old said he chose retirement because he was reluctant to face the likes of George Kittle, Travis Kelce, and Darren Waller in 2020.
"Once that negative thought crossed my mind, I was like, my heart, my competitive edge, I ain't really in it like that no more," he said. "Let alone, you get 34, you lose a step, you ain't move the same way you used to move. I just wasn't feeling it no more, honestly."
Talib played in New England for parts of two seasons from 2012 to 2013. The Patriots helped reignite his career after acquiring him from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with whom he was beset by off-field issues and inconsistent play.
After his successful run with the Pats, Talib joined the Denver Broncos on a six-year, $57-million contract in free agency. He spent four seasons in Denver and won Super Bowl 50 while anchoring a Broncos secondary that became known as the "No Fly Zone."
The Broncos traded Talib in 2018 to the Los Angeles Rams, whom he helped reach Super Bowl LIII. The Rams dealt him to the Miami Dolphins in a salary dump last year while he was injured. Talib never appeared in a game for the Dolphins.
A former first-round pick out of Kansas, Talib hauled in 35 interceptions - 10 of which he returned for touchdowns - over the course of his career.