In somewhat of a surprise move, San Fransisco 49ers veteran Joe Staley announced his retirement last month. The 35-year-old offensive tackle cited his history of injuries and wanting to spend more time with his young children as reasons for retirement.
While Staley had played 13 or more games in 10 of his 13 seasons, a nagging neck injury forced him to sit out nine of the 49ers' 16 regular-season games in 2019.
However, in a recent interview on The Adam Schefter Podcast, the six-time Pro Bowler detailed the exact moments that led to his decision to hang up his cleats.
“It was probably a month after the season was done, I kind of went down there [to see] Dr. Watkins down in L.A., and he's done everyone under the sun's neck surgery,” the former 49ers star said. “He's kind of the guy to go to if you have neck issues, so I got a second opinion from him.
“I met with him, went down to the office for like four or five hours, and it was just a little more serious than what I was thinking.”
While Staley hadn't made a Pro Bowl since 2017, the veteran tackle was still a stellar presence in the 49ers locker room and was still capable of being a top player at his position. As a result, most didn't expect him to retire for at least another season or two.
“He was pretty concerned about my age — there's a lot of different factors that go into it,” Joe Staley said. “I just took all that information that I was getting there. And it wasn't just that. It was the cumulative affect everything my body has gone through the last 13 years.
“You put your body through a lot, especially playing offensive line for as long as I have. The stresses that you put your family through with all that, I thought it was a good time [to retire].”
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