Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman has decided to end his NFL career and retire, the team announced. He spent all but 10 games of his eight NFL seasons with San Francisco, the team which selected him in the third round of the 2010 draft.
Bowman, 31, wanted to retire as a member of the 49ers but was unable to officially sign a one-year deal because it would require a corresponding roster move. He and his family observed Tuesday's team practice in Santa Clara.
Bowman, who remains a fan favorite, is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time first-team All-Pro. The 49ers released him on October 13, 2017. Three days later, Bowman signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Raiders and played his final 10 games there. He was not re-signed at the end of the season and remained unsigned since.
"NaVorro gave his heart and soul to this team for the last eight years, and for that we are all extremely grateful," general manager John Lynch said via a statement after Bowman's release in 2017. "During that time, NaVorro was a key component of one of the best teams in the League and his passion for the game allowed him to quickly become a favorite of our Faithful fans."
The 49ers came close to trading Bowman in 2017 but opted to release the linebacker after speaking with him. The move gave Bowman the option to sign with any team he wanted.
Bowman accumulated 798 combined tackles with 14 sacks, 29 passes defensed, five interceptions, a touchdown, and seven forced fumbles during his eight NFL seasons. He sustained two major injuries to his left leg since January of 2014. Bowman appeared in just four games in 2016 after a torn Achilles ended his season. The injury came nearly 13 months after his return from gruesome ACL and MCL tears against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.
Recently retired NaVorro Bowman helps break down the post-practice huddle ... pic.twitter.com/QA4fe8v2OV
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) June 4, 2019