49ers DT Ramsey announces retirement

Share

Defensive tackle Kaleb Ramsey, a seventh-round pick of the 49ers in the 2014 draft, announced on Thursday his decision to retire.

Ramsey, 27, never appeared on the 49ers’ 53-man roster during his two seasons with the club. He spent his rookie season on the physically unable to perform list due to an Achilles injury. Last year, he spent time on the practice squad. Ramsey also served a four-week suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

“I want to thank Jed York, the York family, Trent Baalke and all the coaches and staff I have had the pleasure of working with over the last two years,” Ramsey said in a statement released by the team.

“The 49ers took a chance on drafting me and made my NFL dreams come true. Unfortunately, my career has been cut short, as I have made the decision to step away from the game to concentrate on other priorities in my life. During my time in the Bay Area, I have seen how special the 49ers organization and its fans truly are, and that is something I will take with me as I move on.”

Ramsey faced long odds to break onto the 53-man roster this summer after the 49ers selected DeForest Buckner and Ronald Blair in the draft.

Ramsey had a tumultuous six-year career at Boston College before the 49ers drafted him. He sustained serious leg, shoulder, foot and calf injuries that afforded him two extra years of eligibility.

“The 49ers organization would like to thank Kaleb for his contributions to our team and our community over the last two years,” Baalke said in a statement. “We will continue to support Kaleb and wish him well as he moves on from his career in football.”

Ramsey’s retirement creates a roster spot for right tackle Anthony Davis, who this week filed his paperwork to the NFL for reinstatement off the reserve/retired list.

Ramsey is the seventh 49ers player to announce his retirement from the NFL since November 2014, joining Davis, Marcus Lattimore, Patrick Willis, Justin Smith, Chris Borland and Jarryd Hayne.

Contact Us