49ers legend Joe Staley officially announces retirement

Veteran offensive tackle Joe Staley reportedly informed the San Francisco 49ers of his decision to retire before the start of the 2020 NFL Draft. That put into motion a plan to find a replacement, and the 49ers did so by trading their fifth-round pick in this year's draft and a third-rounder next year for Washington Redskins tackle Trent Williams.

Adam Schefter was the first to report, following the trade, that Staley was expected to retire due to health concerns. The veteran tackle made it official on Saturday by thanking the team and fans via Twitter.

Staley wrote the following:

After 13 incredible seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, and many recent months of consideration, it is with very mixed emotions that I am announcing my retirement from the NFL. The game of football has been a true passion of mine since I was 8, but my body is telling me it is time.

Football is a physical sport and I have given my all to the game and pushed my limits. Last season was a dream to be a part of, having the opportunity to chase a Championship. But, it was by far the most difficult on me and my family. My body was breaking down with a variety of injuries and a deteriorating neck condition, and the constant discomfort affected every aspect of my life.

I have two young daughters, Grace and Audrey. They are my world. To choose to play another season when my body says it's done, and risk my future with them and my ability to be the father I want to be, would be selfish and reckless. I want my daughters to know that I will always choose them, no matter what.

I want to thank so many people who have made my career so fulfilling. Starting with the York family – It was my wish to deliver the Lombardi Trophy to you in my 13 years here, and it hurts to have fallen short. I will be forever grateful to your family for allowing me the opportunity to represent the franchise and wear the red and gold my entire career. I thank you.

To all the coaches that I have played for – Each of you had a huge impact on how I shaped my game. I learned so much from you and would not have been the player I was without your time and commitment. You all made coming to work each day a blessing and challenged me to achieve more. I thank you.

To all the players I shared the field and locker room with over the years – Coming to work each day was enjoyable because of the bond we shared. This time has granted me friendships and memories that will last me a lifetime. I thank you.

To all the support and operational staff – Your countless hours and sacrifices to make sure the players are ready to perform on gameday are truly appreciated. You are not told enough how important and integral these roles are. I thank you.

To the 49er Faithful – You embraced this kid from Central Michigan, with a loud and obnoxious personality, with open arms, and I am grateful. I hope I made you all proud with my effort and commitment every time I took the field. While I wish we had won at least one of the Super Bowls I was fortunate enough to play in, this franchise has never been in better hands and had more promise. Stay committed and loud, the players hear you. I thank you.

Finally, to my wife Carrie – You have been the calm and loving support I have needed since the moment we met. You have been selfless and patient with me and our family throughout my career and handled the stresses with graceful ease. You make me a better person and are a beautiful mother to our children. I look forward to writing the next chapters of our life together. I thank you and I love you.

I hope to be present with the organization moving forward and will always have a deep love for the San Francisco 49ers and the Bay Area. While I am sad and disappointed my time has come to step away, I leave with my head held high, knowing I gave my all to the game. I fulfilled the dreams I had as a kid. Now, I will turn my attention to helping my daughters cultivate and achieve dreams of their own.

With sincere love and gratitude,
Joe Staley

"For the last 13 years, Joe Staley conducted himself in a manner that epitomizes the 49ers way and set a tremendous example for his teammates and our community," said 49ers CEO Jed York via a statement. "A consummate professional, one of the best players in the game and a great human being, Joe has left an indelible mark on this franchise and everyone he has come into contact with throughout his career. His passion, sense of humor and heart are just a few of the many traits that allowed him not only to be a team leader but also an ambassador for our game and the Bay Area.

"One of the most respected and well-liked players in the NFL, Joe was integral to the success our organization has experienced over the last decade. I know Joe wrestled for some time with this decision because of his love for the 49ers and the game of football. As he walks away, my hope is that he does so knowing how greatly appreciated he is by the 49ers organization, my family, and our Faithful fans.

"Forever a member of the 49ers family, Joe holds a special place in our hearts and will go down as one of the true greats in the storied history of our franchise. I look forward to supporting him, his wife, Carrie, and his daughters, Grace and Audrey, as they embark on the next chapter of life."

Staley, 35, had contemplated retirement before. He did so during the 2017 season after battling injuries. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, however, was able to convince him to continue playing.

That decision culminated last season in Staley's second trip to the Super Bowl. Unfortunately for the offensive lineman, it also resulted in his second career Super Bowl loss.

"You put your heart and soul and entire life into trying to be a Super Bowl champion," Staley said after the Super Bowl. "You get to the end of your career, and you realize how rare these opportunities are. The emotions are all so raw and real for me right now."

Staley is a six-time Pro Bowl selection. The 49ers made him the No. 28 overall selection in 2007 after playing college football at Central Michigan. Staley has 181 starts through his 13 NFL seasons.

Staley was one of four 49ers players, past and present, to be named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2010s. He was joined by current teammate and longtime Seattle Seahawk, Richard Sherman, and former teammates Frank Gore and Patrick Willis.

Injuries plagued Staley this past season, limiting him to seven regular-season starts and three playoff starts. He started all 16 games in 2018 and started 16 games in six of the eight seasons between 2011 and 2018.