Richburg does 49ers right in retirement
There will be two ways to look at Weston Richburg’s brief but meaningful tenure with the 49ers.
He was one of the most costly free-agent buys in team history. But he also anchored the middle of an offensive line that led the 49ers to the Super Bowl.
Unfortunately, Richburg never made it to that Super Bowl with the rest of the team. Nor did he ever play another snap for the 49ers after the December injury in 2019 when Richburg sustained a torn patellar tendon during San Francisco’s wild 48-46 victory over the New Orleans Saints that helped the 49ers land home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.
Richburg announced his retirement in June after missing the entire 2020 season due to knee and shoulder ailments. He underwent hip surgery earlier this year that helped hasten his decision to retire — Richburg’s third surgery since joining the 49ers.
“Injuries are an unfortunate part of this game and I’ve reached a point where my body won’t allow me to continue playing and competing at a high level,” Richburg said. “I consider myself extremely blessed to have played in this league and am so grateful for the experiences over the last seven years. I was able to play some good football all over the country and was fortunate enough to finish my career with the greatest franchise in sports.”
Richburg had played at a Pro Bowl level throughout the season before that debilitating 2019 injury, beginning to pay dividends for the 49ers on the blockbuster five-year, $47.5 million deal he signed with San Francisco that made him the team’s prized acquisition in 2018 free agency.
This story is from the August 2021 edition of Niner Report.
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This story is from the August 2021 edition of Niner Report.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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