Joe Staley said during the 49ers’ playoff run he was not considering retirement, but a March report indicated he had opened the door to walking away after 13 seasons. The 49ers now have Trent Williams installed as their left tackle.
Williams’ predecessor confirmed injuries forced him to retire. Staley received more information about his injuries this offseason, leading the six-time Pro Bowler to walk away after playing in a second Super Bowl. During a recent interview with Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan, Staley said he is dealing with herniated disks and spinal stenosis.
“It was a bunch of stingers,” Staley said on Lewan’s Bussin’ With the Boys podcast (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle). “… It got to the point where in the Super Bowl, I’d make contact with my head with anybody (and) I’d have — from the base of my head down to my back — I’d have just a zing and my arms would go numb. I had herniations at a bunch of different levels and really severe stenosis.”
Staley suffered a broken fibula and a fracture finger in 2019, limiting him to a career-low seven games. But he was on the field for San Francisco’s three playoff tilts. However, he was battling more discomfort than what was previously reported. He met with several doctors this offseason, indicating a visit with Los Angeles-based spine specialist Dr. Robert Watkins provided extensive clarity on the risk he would take by returning for a 14th season.
“[Watkins] “was like, ‘If you’re going to continue to play football, you’re probably going to have to have fusion surgery on multiple levels,’” Staley said. “I was like, ‘I’m 35. I’ve got kids. I don’t want to not be able to turn my neck for the rest of my life.’
“When I went and saw these doctors, I realized how serious it was. They were like, ‘If you continue to play, you’re going to really do some long-term damage.”
Staley started 181 games for the 49ers. That ranks fifth in team history, and his Week 17 start against the Seahawks moved him past Randy Cross for the most by an offensive lineman in franchise history. Staley did miss time for various injuries, missing seven games during the 2009 and ’10 seasons and sitting out three in 2016.
He also signed a through-2021 extension last June. Ten months later, the 49ers turned to Williams and will hope he can shake the various health issues that have dogged him in recent years. Williams has not played 16 games in a season since 2013.
dont blame him for wanting to step away if his body telling him too. he done alot for the team. didnt miss alot of games in his career. so all the games and miles catch up to him
This reminds me so much of when Jordan walked away from the Bulls the first time. Wonder if Joe will come back too?
Did you read the article at all, pretty sure Jordan never had these types of physical issues
Staley is already 35… I mean that’s retirement home age for the NFL if you’re anyone but a QB.
well basketball and football are two different sports. MJ left healthy and wanted to get away. joe already at the age alot leave the game and he leaving because his body telling him too
STALEY gives syrupy explanation for sudden retirement !!
Syrupy? You’re kinda dumb. Compared to what I truly wanted to say, “kinda dumb” is syrupy. You’re a twit.
Spinal stenosis means your spinal cavity has constrictions. The nerves that run from head to toe are found in the spinal cavity. Bone spurs, calcification, spine contusions and vertebrae displacement are these constrictions.
The pain is similar to the pain of a massive cramp—only it doesn’t stop. Imagine most of your entire body experiencing this pain all at once.
Spinal fusion may or may not relieve it. BUT if you play football, after a fusion, you are in danger of much worse damage. You could still run, bike or swim but football?
Add to that the weight that he carries that pounds on his back.
So nentwig, syrupy?
So do you feel like a big man now that you ridiculed nentwigs, Doctor Raymond?
He deserved it. He ridiculed Staley and the story. I’ll ridicule you but you already know you’re an idiot. Why make you feel worse than you already feel?
Btw, I have stenosis and have had fusion. I know you like to talk ignorantly about things that you claim to be an expert on. So consider my knowledge to be some enlightenment for the cross eyed based on actual experience. God forbid you could relate to anything factual
R/Iamverysmart
@wagner. We don’t need to be that smart to spot the frauds and bully boys on this site. These cowards use the anonymity of the internet to attack people like PapiElf and nentwigs who are only trying to make a small positive contribution.