The Miami Dolphins have made the decision not to bring Shaq Barrett off their reserve/retired list, effectively ending his hopes of returning to the NFL this season. Barrett had retired during the offseason, wanting to dedicate more time to his family after the tragic loss of his daughter, Arrayah, who died in an accidental drowning.

Recently, Barrett expressed his desire to resume his football career, but the Dolphins have halted these plans before the 4pm deadline today, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. A tweet reported: ‘The Dolphins have chosen not to reactivate pass-rusher Shaq Barrett from the reserve/retired list, meaning he will not be playing for Miami this season, according to a source.

Miami also has no plans to release him to allow him to join another team during their playoff push.’ This decision leaves Barrett without an opportunity to play until at least next season, with Miami retaining his contractual rights. Barrett was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February, just before he joined the Dolphins and subsequently retired, therefore missing out on a $15.04 million option bonus due in March.

Barrett is notably recognized for winning two Super Bowls, one each with the Denver Broncos and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Shaq and his wife Jordanna have celebrated the birth of a new daughter, Allanah, nine months after the heartbreaking loss of their fourth child.

The couple also parents sons Braylon, 10, and Shaquil Jr., 11, along with daughter Aaliyah, 8. Earlier this month, Jordanna shared on Instagram that she is expecting another baby girl, referring to it as ‘our final chapter.’ Each of Barrett’s Super Bowl victories involved a legendary quarterback securing a championship with a new team late in their career — Peyton Manning in 2016 and Tom Brady in 2021. Last season, Barrett participated in 15 out of 17 possible games, starting in each one he played.