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Update: Justin Smith officially retires

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49ers DE Justin Smith is expected to retire from the NFL.

Nicknamed "Cowboy," Smith earned five Pro Bowl berths and one first-team All-Pro selection across 14 seasons, opening his career with the Bengals and spending his final seven years as a 49er. Although Smith was not a prolific pass rusher -- he never did reach double-digit sacks in a season -- he was an unmovable run-stopping force and highly disruptive end-tackle who made players around him better. Smith played with incredible "country" strength. We suspect Smith will not go into the Hall of Fame, but he should get some consideration.

 

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If I had a vote, it'd be Aye.

 

Smith had an impact far in excess of his own personal stats. The niners' efficacy at LB is due in no small part to Smith's domination up front.

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Thanks for everything you did for this organization, Justin.

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Man didn't realize he had been in here 14 seasons. Will be sad to see him go.

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He's been a great player for a long time that's always been a joy to watch. It will be strange not seeing him on the field next season after his lengthy, successful career.

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He was amazing.. And I agree with Zack that the guy was a great pass rusher, especially for what he was asked to do. However, I still don't know if I would put him in the hall. I'd probably lean yes, but it would be borderline. Not sure he actually will though... That isn't to say he doesn't deserve it -- nobody talks about this guy and it's hard to tell if anyone even notices how big of an impact he has made.

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Glad a great player is going out while he's still great. Don't go the Kevin Williams or Jared Allen route. Retire as soon as you feel you can't be dominant anymore.

 

Plus, the 49ers are SOL, moving forward. Lost one of the best coaches in the game. Still have Kaepernick. Might lose Crabtree. Boldin will be a year older, as will Gore. All their skill positions are very questionable going into next year, and who knows how that defense will hold up if Fangio isn't retained? The 49ers have been maximizing, hell maybe even beyond maximizing, sub-par defensive backs during Harbaugh and his staff's tenure. No guarantee that that will continue under a new staff.

 

This ship is sinking, at least for the time being. Good on Justin for just saying, "Fuck it!" and walking away.

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That article's retarded for saying he wasn't a prolific pass rusher. He was a dominant pass rusher that played 4-3 DT and 3-4 DE and still accumulated sacks and pressures. HoF player for sure.

Alex Flanagan on Twitter

 

Nuff said :shifty:

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Posted by Josh Alper on May 18, 2015, 4:10 PM EDT

The 49ers gave defensive end Justin Smith all the time he wanted to make up his mind about returning for another season, but the extra time didn’t cause Smith to commit to another year in the trenches.

 

The team announced on Monday afternoon that Smith has decided to retire after 14 NFL seasons. He spent the last seven of those years with the 49ers after joining the team as a free agent following seven years in Cincinnati and General Manager Trent Baalke said in a statement that Smith left a big impression on the organization.

 

“Justin is the consummate professional whose impact on this organization can never be measured by statistics alone,” Baalke said. “His durability, competitiveness, work ethic, strength and rare stamina helped set him apart over his 14-year career. Cowboy will go down as one of the best to ever wear a 49ers uniform and his candidness, work ethic and pure passion for the game will be missed. We wish the very best for him and his family!”

 

Smith’s career took off when he joined the 49ers as all five of his Pro Bowl appearances and his one first-team All-Pro selection came after joining the team in 2008. He ends his career having missed just three games over 14 years and recording 87 sacks, 17 forced fumbles and three interceptions.

 

Smith joins linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland as big parts of the 2014 49ers defense to retire this offseason and the team will move on with Darnell Dockett, Tony Jerod-Eddie, Tank Carradine and first-round pick Arik Armstead at defensive end.

 

Source: ProFootballTalk

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Deserves :HOF: one day.

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:HOF: Class of 2020 is going to be interesting

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NINERS1-popup.jpg

 

smith2_medium.gif

 

This guy was one of my favorite players in the league. Still remember that play. Insane.

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Smith was one of the greatest to play his position ever. Should be a no brainer first ballot selection.

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