49ers Defensive Star, Team Leader Justin Smith Retires From NFL
SANTA CLARA (CBS SF) -- The San Francisco 49ers have lost another mainstay, with the announcement by the team Monday that five-time Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Justin Smith was retiring from the National Football League.
Smith, along with star linebacker Patrick Willis, was considered a leader of the defensive unit and of the team. He twice won the Bill Walsh Award as the team's most valuable player as selected by coaches and a two-time recipient of the Len Eshmont award, which honors the team MVP as selected by the players.
Nicknamed "The Cowboy," Smith was known for his relentlessness and strength; often taking up the attention of more than one blocker and allowing other defenders to get through the line.
In a statement from the team, CEO Jed York said Smith "gave everything he had every play. Justin has earned the respect of the entire NFL community and he will always be remembered as one of the 49ers all-time greats."
"Justin is the consummate professional whose impact on this organization can never be measured by statistics alone," said 49ers general manager Trent Baalke. "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."
New 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula, who coached Smith as the 49ers defensive line coach, said he would never find another player quite like Smith. "Everybody knows about his toughness, durability, and instincts, but his greatest attribute does not get the attention it deserves. Justin never concerned himself with personal accomplishments, his unselfish nature made that impossible. People like to say 'they broke the mold with him' but there was never a mold. Justin Smith is a hand-crafted football player."
Smith's retirement, which was anticipated, adds to the list of prominent 49ers leaving the team this offseason, including head coach Jim Harbaugh. Aside from Smith and Willis, the 49ers lost another team leader in running back Frank Gore, opting to sign with Indianapolis after a setting multiple records over his 49ers career.
The man who was expected to Willis' replacement, Chris Borland, retired after his standout rookie season over long-term health concerns. Wide receiver and former first round draft pick Michael Crabtree signed with the Oakland Raiders.
Smith played 14 seasons in the NFL, the first seven with the Cincinnati Bengals.
