NaVorro Bowman has called it a career.
The former 49ers and Raiders linebacker announced his retirement Tuesday after nine standout seasons in the NFL. He did so at San Francisco headquarters, informing the organization that he wishes to step away from the game as a member of the 49ers.
Forever a Niner.@NBowman53 came by the #49ers facility today to inform the team he plans to retire and will be doing it as a 49er as he had always intended.
Read: https://t.co/JpNRlwAkp1 pic.twitter.com/KPJMLA1IBs — San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) June 4, 2019
"NaVorro gave his heart and soul to this team for the last eight years, and for that we are all extremely grateful," General Manager John Lynch said at the time of Bowman's release in 2017. "During that time, NaVorro was a key component of one of the best teams in the league, and his passion for the game allowed him to quickly become a favorite of our Faithful fans."
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Bowman spent eight seasons with San Francisco after being selected with the No. 91 overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft. He was named to four All-Pro teams, made three Pro Bowls, and helped lead the 49ers to three consecutive NFC Championship games before playing the final 10 games of his decorated career with the Raiders.
For his career, Bowman tallied 877 total tackles, 16.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and five interceptions -- including the "Pick at the Stick", which accounted for his one and only touchdown.
NaVorro Bowman intends to retire as a member of the #49ers, having authored one of the greatest plays in the team's storied history. Congrats to 53 on an incredible career.
(🎥: @Dubs408)pic.twitter.com/pdjVBmAkdo — Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) June 4, 2019
While Bowman wanted to formally retire as a member of the 49ers by way of a one-day contract, that would have required San Francisco to make a subsequent roster move, which they elected not to do.
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So, the last uniform Bowman ever wore as an active NFL player was that of the Raiders. But formalities aside, he's a 49er through and through.
