Anthony Davis Announces Retirement, But Then Says He’ll Return To The NFL
Anthony Davis is the latest member of the San Francisco 49ers to announce that he is retiring from the NFL.
According to Fox Sports, the 25-year-old Davis, a starting tackle for the team, released a statement saying he came to a decision to “take a year or so away from the NFL.”
“This will be a time for me to allow my Brain and Body [sic] a chance to heal. I know many won’t understand my decision, that’s ok [sic].”
Anthony Davis concluded his statement by wishing everyone well and urging them to live their lives to the fullest.
“Your Life [sic] is Your [sic] dream and you have the power to control that dream.”
While Davis is stepping away from the game, he told his Twitter followers that he will be back.
I’ll be back in a year or so.. I’ll be 26 or 27 years old. Im taking this time to allow my Brain and Body time to heal and recoup.
— Anthony Davis (@BamDavis_) June 5, 2015
Davis was drafted to the team in 2010 and played 71 regular-season games as a starter. Davis also started in eight of the team’s postseason games.
Anthony Davis’ retirement comes as the 49ers franchise is struggling to hang onto players during the offseason. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, rookie Chris Borland, who was a key figure in the team’s defense last season, announced he would be retiring after just one year of professional football because of concussion concerns.
Veterans Justin Smith and Patrick Willis also announced their retirements this offseason, according to ProFootballTalk. The 49ers also lost all-star running back Frank Gore, whose contract with the team ended last season. Gore went on to sign a three-year, $12 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts.
Anthony Davis’ retirement comes as a surprise to many, including colleague Dan Kilgore.
#49ers Dan Kilgore on Anthony Davis retiring: ‘I’m as shocked as anybody else. I hate to see him go. He’s a great player, great teammate”
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) June 5, 2015
Others have expressed their feelings over Davis’ retirement.
Wow the 49ers just can’t catch a break anymore. Like the other retired players, Anthony Davis could have done a lot more.
— Ian O’Brien (@iobrien27) June 5, 2015
It has not been a great offseason for my #49ers – Anthony Davis becomes 4th member of 49ers to retire this offseason http://t.co/Ie1VqluhP3 — Mark Nester (@mjnes) June 5, 2015
Dang! Feels like their whole team. RT @RapSheet: Wow. 49ers OT Anthony Davis retires.
— Sarah Spain (@SarahSpain) June 5, 2015
According to the 49ers’ official website, Davis had “informed the team” that he would be retiring from the NFL. General manager Trent Baalke issued a statement, wishing Davis well in his future endeavors.
“The 49ers organization thanks Anthony for his contributions to our team over the last five seasons and wishes him the best as he moves on from the game.”
What’s your reaction to Anthony Davis’ retirement? Do you think he will actually return?
[Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images]
