Oct 27, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan on the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

San Francisco 49ers WR suddenly retires to start movie dream

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jun 7, 2025 7:21 PM ET

The San Francisco 49ers are losing a wide receiver who has dreams of being a big name in Southern California. The 49ers have had some turnover at wide receiver this offseason after the team traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders.

There were rumours surrounding the 49ers’ long-term plans with Brandon Aiyuk, but San Francisco has even more reason to keep the expensive star on the roster for the upcoming season.

The San Francisco 49ers lose a WR to retirement

Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, 49ers wide receiver Chris Conley is retiring from the league so he can begin his film career.

“Veteran NFL WR Chris Conley, who most recently played for the #49ers, has decided to retire after 10 seasons to follow his dream, his agent Jonathan Perzley of @SPORTSTARSNYC said. Conley is heading to film school back at UGA to pursue dreams of being a film maker. So cool,” Rapoport posted on X.

Veteran NFL WR Chris Conley, who most recently played for the #49ers, has decided to retire after 10 seasons to follow his dream, his agent Jonathan Perzley of @SPORTSTARSNYC said.

Conley is heading to film school back at UGA to pursue dreams of being a film maker. So cool. . pic.twitter.com/qOctLS5WYS

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 7, 2025

Conley, 32, was a third-round draft pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015. The native of Adana, Turkey, spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Tennessee Titans.

Conley appeared in 132 games and started 65. He recorded 226 receptions for 2,998 yards, and 15 touchdowns in his 10-year NFL career. He appeared in 15 games for the 49ers last season, recording six catches for 76 yards.

Conley played high school football for North Paulding High School in Dallas, Georgia. He played four seasons of college football for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Jan 20, 2019; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Chris Conley (17) runs on field during player introductions in the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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