The San Francisco 49ers dealt with a retirement of sorts on Sunday, as running back and return man Jarryd Hayne announced he was giving up his football dream. Hayne was provided with a unique opportunity to compete in this summer's Olympic Games as a member of the Fiji Rugby Sevens team. This is the first year Rugby Sevens will be a medal sport. Rugby of any sort was last featured in 1924. Hayne's dad is from Fiji, which is why he can compete with that team.
There have been plenty of reactions to Hayne's retirement. It is not surprising they were all positive. It was a short stay for Hayne in the NFL, but it seemed like he got along well with everybody. It didn't quite work out like many fans were hoping, but it's hard to turn down a chance to represent his country in the Olympics.
His new coach in Fiji would not guarantee Hayne, other than to say "we will see how he goes." Here's what coach Ben Ryan had to say, followed by comments and tweets from 49ers-related folks.
"He got a taste for sevens when he was with the boys in Sydney and that sowed a few seeds, and that has just got bigger. He has had a chat with the 49ers and his agent, and I have with everybody else to make sure he is on our accreditation list and to ensure he ticks our boxes, he is a Fijian passport holder, all those sorts of things.
"I have no promises he is going to make the 12, but we will see how he goes. He will then come into Fijian camp for the Olympic period. It is a huge challenge for Jarryd but if he gets into the squad it is only going to be on form, because he is a blinding rugby player. If he doesn't make it, is just shows how good this Fijian sevens side is.
"It is a no lose situation for me. It is no lose for Jarryd either, he gets himself into the possibility of being a part of this journey, and the boys are all going to learn off him as well. He comes in with an A* but it is up to him to hang onto that, it's really exciting and really what the Olympics is all about."
Trent Baalke
"We would like to thank Jarryd for his contributions to the San Francisco 49ers organization and our community over the last year," said 49ers general manager Trent Baalke. "Jarryd is a tremendous example of what can happen when you commit to a goal and do everything in your power to make it a reality. He earned the right to wear a 49ers uniform and compete alongside the best in the game. We fully support Jarryd's decision to pursue another dream - representing the Fiji Rugby Sevens team in this summer's Olympic games. We look forward to watching him in Rio and wish him continued success."
Jed York
Wish you all the best @JarrydHayne. I truly admire your grit and determination.
— Jed York (@JedYork) May 15, 2016
Agent
Very excited for client @JarrydHayne to participate in the @Olympics. @49ers have been a class act through the process
— jack bechta (@jackbechta) May 15, 2016
Players
You were a pro since the 1st day but you became a true friend from then on. Wish you success in the Olympics fam. https://t.co/BwqsgzwBpa
— Di'Andre Campbell (@campbellboydre) May 15, 2016
@JarrydHayne I wasn't a #Niner w/ ya long, but you became a true friend. It was real fellow #Thoroughbred, I'm proud of you & ball out!
— Foxx (@DuJuan_Harris) May 15, 2016
Good luck to my bro @JarrydHayne !!
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) May 15, 2016
@JarrydHayne Represent Fiji well in the Olympics Fam. Will miss ya in the locker room and on the field. #family
— Di'Andre Campbell (@campbellboydre) May 15, 2016
Good luck mate!! @JarrydHayne Go eat! #Fiji
— Michael Purcell (@wyomike50) May 15, 2016
@JarrydHayne wishing you the best of luck brother. Glad I had the opportunity to play against you during your time in the NFL.
— Brad Wing (@bwing38) May 15, 2016
@JarrydHayne the homie done left man. It was fun having you here bro. You gotta come back
— IG MikeDavisRB (@MikeDavisRB) May 15, 2016
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