Davis, 29, forwarded the news outlet a copy of his letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell via the NFLPA seeking formal reinstatement.
"On January 24, 2019, I read articles by 3 different sources pertaining to there being a significant decrease in concussions in the NFL, down by 29 percent in the 2018 season," Davis wrote. "Excited to see that the changes you and your staff have made to the rules, and the allowance of safer equipment to be worn has had a positive effect, I confided with my family and on January 28, 2019 I made the decision that I'd love to play in the NFL again."
Davis went on to state that he has matured to a point where he is ready to represent himself and the NFL "with the utmost class, respect, and professionalism."
Davis officially retired from the NFL on September 26, 2016, following a concussion suffered during a practice after the team's season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. That was after a previous break from football for health reasons in which he missed the 2015 season.
The 49ers still retain Davis' rights.
San Francisco made Davis the No. 11 overall draft pick in 2010. He played five seasons in his first stint with the team while appearing in 71 games. Davis appeared in one game in 2016 during his second stint.
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