Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor announced his retirement Sunday and naturally, that’s got the football world talking. It’s not really a decision at all, as it seems like he’s being forced out due to the risk of paralysis and doctors refusing to clear him.
Kam Chancellor was quite the rival. I’m sure most of us remember that devastating hit he laid on Vernon Davis to dislodge a football. But if you’re looking at this from a football fan’s perspective the guy could flat out play. He represents the ideal big nickel safety/linebacker — a player that is very difficult to find in today’s NFL and even harder to get them to play well. Regardless, people are paying their respects to a great career, and none more appropriate than 49ers general manager John Lynch:
Kam, Congratulations on a tremendous career! You established a presence in the heart of those great defenses in Seattle that was felt throughout the league. Your toughness and physicality was as important to those defenses as anything or anyone. I salute you. God Bless! https://t.co/NuMZh1kn53
— John Lynch (@JohnLynch49ers) July 2, 2018
49ers safety Adrian Colbert and linebackers Korey Toomer and Eli Harold all tweeted out shortly after the announcement:
Love you big bro,
— AC (@AdrianColbert27) July 1, 2018
Your style of play and passion for the game will always be remembered by the ones and myself who truly appreciate the game.
I’m praying for you @KamChancellor and the journey you are about to endure. To have been able to play with you and be able to gather some of your knowledge is a blessing. A role model for kids with dreams and adults around the world . Your legacy will live #forever31 #BEWARE31
— Korey Toomer (@Korey_Toomer) July 2, 2018
So what’s next? Who knows. Fooch has suggested Eric Reid is the perfect person to make a call to, and while it’d be hard to see a 49er don Seahawks jerseys, this could be the perfect system and situation for him in the league.
We’ll update this post later with more responses when they become available.