On June 7, 2025, Chris Conley — a wide receiver who played for notable teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers — officially announced his retirement from the NFL. What shocked fans and analysts alike wasn’t just his departure from football, but his bold decision to return to college and pursue a career in filmmaking.

📌 Chris Conley’s NFL Career Overview

• Position: Wide Receiver (WR)

• Height/Weight: 6’3″ / 205 lbs (1.91m / 93kg)

• Drafted: Round 3, 2015 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs

• NFL Stats:

  • 132 career games

  • 226 receptions

  • 2,998 receiving yards

  • 15 touchdowns

Teams Played For:
Chiefs (2015–2018) → Jaguars → Texans → Titans → 49ers (2023–2024)
He also played in Super Bowl LVIII with the 49ers, who lost to his former team, the Chiefs.

🎓 Why Did Chris Conley Retire?

Unlike many retired athletes who transition into coaching or broadcasting, Chris Conley is heading back to the University of Georgia — his alma mater — to enroll in film school. In a personal statement, Conley said:

“I’ve always loved storytelling. Football has been a huge part of my life, but now I’m ready to write a new chapter — one behind the camera.”

🔍 Reactions from the NFL Community

His retirement sparked admiration across the league:

• Ian Rapoport (NFL Network): “So cool to see an NFL veteran boldly chase his creative passion. Total respect.”

• 49ers Fan Forums: “He wasn’t a superstar, but he was a dependable pro and a true team player.”

📉 Impact on the 49ers

Conley’s retirement leaves the San Francisco 49ers without a reliable veteran WR — someone who provided crucial depth and stepped up when starters were injured. While not a leading receiver, his professionalism and locker room presence were highly valued.

✅ Final Thoughts

Chris Conley, known for his professionalism and versatility during his time with the Chiefs and 49ers, has officially closed the book on a decade-long NFL journey to begin a new one — in the world of film. His story is a powerful reminder that life after football can be just as inspiring as life on the field.