SANTA CLARA, Calif. — In another stunning offseason development for the San Francisco 49ers, offensive tackle Anthony Davis has announced he will retire. Davis, 25, was a first-round pick (No. 11 overall) by the team out of Rutgers in 2010. He started all 71 games in which he appeared over the past five seasons.
“I’m simply doing what’s best for my body as well as my mental health at this time in my life,” Davis told the NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport.
Davis intimated that his retirement might be temporary in a Tweet: “I’ll be back in a year or so. I’ll be 26 or 27 years old. I’m taking this time to allow my Brain and Body time to heal and recoup.”
Davis’ retirement comes in the wake of linebacker Chris Borland calling it quits in April. A similar decision by veteran Patrick Willis was less stunning, but left the 49ers with a big hole at the inside linebacker position. Defensive line veteran Justin Smith took time with his decision, but also ultimately opted to retire.
“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,” said 49ers general manager Trent Baalke.
Trent Brown, a seventh-round draft pick, has been lining up as first-string right tackle while Davis has been absent from voluntary organized team activity sessions.
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