The San Francisco 49ers are off to a 2-0 start, as the injury bug is already giving them an issue at a couple of key positions. The 49ers were without quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle due to injuries, yet still walked away with a 26-21 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
The 49er faithful is ecstatic to see that San Francisco has prevailed despite the early-season roadblocks. However, after the game on Sunday, Niners fans were caught off guard by veteran punter Thomas Morstead’s social media post, in which he hinted this could be his last year playing football.
“Today was special! Got to play in the Dome one last time in front of so many family, friends, and fans. I love you all! #Grateful," Morstead said in an Instagram post (h/t @TheSFNiners).
Thomas Morstead Hints Toward Retirement After 2025 Season
The 39-year-old Morstead spent the majority of his career playing for the Saints (12 seasons), who selected him in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL draft. The grizzled punter made a name for himself in New Orleans, so it comes as no surprise that Morstead would hint towards a potential retirement after playing there on Sunday.
Morstead did a good job punting the ball against his old squad, averaging 43.3 yards per punt on four attempts. Out of those four attempts, two were placed inside the 20-yard line.
Thus far this season, Morstead is averaging 44.8 yards per punt on six attempts, with three punts landing inside the 20-yard line.
The 49ers hope that the 39-year-old special teamer can continue to be a weapon for the rest of this season, especially if this is his final year in the NFL. San Francisco signed Morstead to a one-year contract this offseason after they had Pat O’Donnell and Mitch Wishnowsky handling punt duties in 2024.
O’Donnell and Wishnowsky did a good job at the 49ers’ punters last year, but with Brant Boyer, who was with the New York Jets for nine seasons, taking over as special teams coordinator, it made sense for San Francisco to sign Morstead. Morstead spent the two previous seasons in the Big Apple.
With that in mind, expect 49ers fans to treat each of the remaining games this season as if they could be his last.