A former Kansas City Chiefs third-round draft selection is hanging up the cleats. Wide receiver Chris Conley announced his retirement on Saturday after 10 seasons in the NFL.
After being selected with the No. 76 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Conley spent four seasons with the Chiefs before becoming a career journeyman. From 2019-2022, he bounced around the AFC South, spending time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Tennessee Titans.
Most recently, he was with the San Francisco 49ers, where he had the opportunity to play alongside NFL stars such as running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle, and wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk.
Although Conley’s on-field performance declined in recent seasons, he still made a positive impact in the 49ers’ locker room. McCaffrey expressed his appreciation for Conley on social media following the retirement announcement.
Christian McCaffrey Reacts to Chris Conley’s Retirement Announcement
In his announcement on Instagram, Conley reflected on his decade in the NFL, stating, “The past ten years have been a dream. Getting the opportunity to play in the league was an honor, and whether it was catching a touchdown or blocking for my teammates, I truly gave it my all.”
He continued, “I can’t mention everyone who was instrumental in my growth as a man and player, but if you played a part, I extend a heartfelt thank you. To my teammates, training staff, and coaches, thanks for the friendship and trust throughout the years.”
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One of those teammates has since responded, offering a wholesome four-word response to Conley’s retirement announcement.
“It was an honor,” McCaffrey posted on his Instagram Stories.
Conley totaled 226 receptions, 2,998 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns in 132 career games. He ends his ten-year NFL career with $15,673,253 in career earnings, according to Spotrac.
Conley Hints at Post-Retirement Plans
In Conley’s retirement announcement, he hints at pursuing another dream. We now have additional information about what that dream may be.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, “Conley has decided to retire after 10 seasons to follow his dream, his agent Jonathan Perzley said. Conley is heading to film school back at UGA to pursue dreams of being a filmmaker.”
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 graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism in 2014 and is returning to the university to pursue a career in filmmaking. After directing, editing, and starring in his own Star Wars fan film, “Star Wars: Retribution,” during his first go-around, it will be interesting to watch what Conley does for an encore.