San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Chris Conley has decided to retire after ten seasons in the NFL. While he was seldom-used during his time in San Francisco, he had a couple of memorable moments in a 49ers uniform.
In a post on Instagram, Conley announced his decision to retire. He wrote, "The past 10 years have been a dream. Getting the opportunity to play in the league was an honor and whether it was catching touchdowns or blocking for them I truly gave it my all."
That sentiment really captures the selflessness with which Conley played the game. He exemplified that on the 49ers by doing whatever was asked of him, whether it was playing special teams or giving a teammate an opportunity instead of himself.
Fans will remember the key contributions he made during San Francisco's playoff run last year. During the NFC divisional round against the Green Bay Packers, Conley hauled in a key catch on San Francisco's game-winning drive. He was on the field because Deebo Samuel went down with an injury, so he stepped up and made a key play.
Conley also had a solid game in the Super Bowl against Kansas City. He snagged an 18-yard reception and also had a great tackle on special teams later in the game.
The 32-year-old was obviously never a star player, but players like him are absolutely essential on a winning football team. Those selfless role players who will do anything that is asked of them and do it with one hundred percent effort can be difference makers in tight playoff contests.
For his career, Conley had 2,998 receiving yards and 15 touchdown catches. He played for five different teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, and 49ers.
Given the depth issues the 49ers currently have with their wide receiving corps, bringing back Conley would not have been the craziest move even if he probably would not have gotten a lot of playing time.
Yet, he has decided it is time to move on. Conley plans to go to film school now which is an exciting new chapter in his life.
Let's hope that he has plenty of success in all of his future endeavors. Niners fans will certainly remember the key contributions he made in his brief time with the team.