Reed had dealt with concussions before joining the 49ers. He missed all of the 2019 season after suffering one from a hit during a preseason game. The lingering effects led to the decision to call it a career.
"I was pretty sure I was going to keep playing; I was feeling good about where I was at," Reed told ESPN's John Keim. "But then I had some lingering effects and sought out professional help to get diagnosed. They told me it was not a good idea to keep playing. I agreed with them."
Reed underwent a brain scan at Orlando's Plasticity Center and the results eventually convinced him to retire.
"Before when I had a concussion I would feel better afterwards and I wouldn't have lingering effects," Reed continued. "If I didn't have any symptoms I would have kept playing," he said. "I'm OK with it because I know the reason why I'm making the choice is for family and my children, so I can be there for them. It's just time."
The Washington Football Team made Reed a third-round selection out of Florida in 2013. He registered 26 receptions for 231 yards with four touchdowns through 10 games in his one season with San Francisco.
Reed, 30, has caught 355 passes for 3,602 yards with 28 touchdowns through his eight NFL seasons and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2016.
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