This past week in the NFL, several veterans officially hung up their cleats as they prepare for life after football.
On Saturday, a former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver joined the club, as Chris Conley announced his retirement from the game of football. The announcement was surprising, given that Conley is only 32 years old and just appeared in 15 games last season with the 49ers.
However, the veteran receiver wants to pursue his dreams of being a filmmaker. When the news broke about Conley’s retirement, the veteran receiver posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, reflecting on his career (h/t @Coach_Yac on Twitter).
"When I was a kid I wrote down a set of goals. On that list was “Play 10 years in the NFL.” Now that this goal has been accomplished it’s time to set sights on something new.
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.
I can’t mention everyone who was instrumental in my growth as a man and player but if you played a part, I extend a heartfelt thank you. To my teammates, training staff, and coaches thanks for friendship and trust throughout the years.
God makes no mistakes and I’m thankful he proved this to me throughout my career. He is more than enough. See you in the next dream.”"
Chris Conley is retiring after 10 seasons in the NFL
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) June 7, 2025
Good luck on the next chapter of your life, Chris pic.twitter.com/mpRMsf0TE9
The veteran receiver had an illustrious 10-year career that started with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015 and ended with the 49ers in 2024. Conley was a third-round pick of the Chiefs in the 2015 draft, where he spent four seasons.
After his time in Kansas City ended, the veteran wideout played with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, and the 49ers. When he got to the Niners in 2023, Conley spent half of that season on the practice squad.
Conley didn’t make San Francisco’s initial 53-man roster after the preseason, but the 49ers’ brass immediately signed him to the practice squad. In the eight games he appeared in, the veteran receiver mostly played special teams (36% of snaps).
The 49ers re-signed Conley last offseason to a one-year deal, and he made the team out of training camp. Conley had six receptions (12 targets) for 76 yards in 15 games, while making two starts last year.
Conley wasn’t the No. 1 or No. 2 wide receiver in his career, but he always carved out a niche for himself, which made him valuable to any team he played on. While it would’ve been nice to see him play one more year in the NFL, Conley is off to bigger things, and his next dream will hopefully be fruitful as well.