The San Francisco 49ers are going into the 2025 season looking to show the NFL they’re once again ready to compete. 2024 was a major disappointment for the team as they finished with a sub .500 record and missed the playoffs completely. It was especially surprising given that the 49ers had appeared in the Super Bowl the year before.
Now, prior to the start of this season the team has learned of a shocking retirement.
Breaking: 49ers Draft Pick Retires At Age 30, Turns Down Team In Process
Dec 12, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan on the sideline against the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Dec 12, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan on the sideline against the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
One of San Francisco’s fastest running backs they’ve ever had on their team has decided to retire:
On Thursday, Matt Breida was reported as retiring from the NFL, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Fowler reported that Breida was recently requested to work out for the Dolphins, but he declined.
At 30 years old, Breida heads into the next stage of his life. He played seven seasons in the NFL.
Breida’s 98 NFL games were split between the 49ers, the Dolphins, the Buffalo Bills and the New York Giants.
He totaled 2,652 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the ground in his career. Through the air, Breida added 120 catches for 935 yards and six more TDs.
His best season came in 2018 with the 49ers. He had 1,075 total yards and five touchdowns.
Feb 2, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) walks off the field after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) walks off the field after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Breida was with the 49ers in training camp in 2024 but was released before the season and didn’t sign with anyone else.
Originally, Breida entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia Southern. He had starred immediately in the Sun Belt Conference, running for 1,485 yards and 17 touchdowns in his first season playing at Georgia Southern. He went for 1,608 yards and 17 TDs again the next season, then struggled in his senior campaign before making it to the NFL.
And now, nearly nine years after Breida’s college career ended, his NFL career has run its course, as well. It was quite the journey for the undrafted RB from a small school.
Running Back Matt Breida rushing the ball for the San Francisco 49ers - Sean Gardner/Getty Images
Running Back Matt Breida rushing the ball for the San Francisco 49ers – Sean Gardner/Getty Images
Here is a look at Breida’s career stats:
Nov 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants running back Matt Breida (31) catches a pass before the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants running back Matt Breida (31) catches a pass before the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
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