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49ers DE Justin Smith announced his retirement from football.
Profootballtalk.com and NBC's Alex Flanagan both previously reported Smith would join Patrick Willis and Chris Borland in retirement, but Smith didn't make it official until Monday. Nicknamed "Cowboy," Smith earned five Pro Bowl berths and one first-team All-Pro selection across 14 seasons, opening his career with the Bengals and spending his final seven years as a 49er. Although Smith was not a prolific pass rusher -- he never did reach double-digit sacks in a season -- he was an unmovable run-stopping force and highly disruptive end-tackle who made players around him better. Smith played with incredible "country" strength. We suspect Smith will not go into the Hall of Fame, but he should get some consideration.
Profootballtalk.com and NBC's Alex Flanagan both previously reported Smith would join Patrick Willis and Chris Borland in retirement, but Smith didn't make it official until Monday. Nicknamed "Cowboy," Smith earned five Pro Bowl berths and one first-team All-Pro selection across 14 seasons, opening his career with the Bengals and spending his final seven years as a 49er. Although Smith was not a prolific pass rusher -- he never did reach double-digit sacks in a season -- he was an unmovable run-stopping force and highly disruptive end-tackle who made players around him better. Smith played with incredible "country" strength. We suspect Smith will not go into the Hall of Fame, but he should get some consideration.