Bryce Huff Announces Retirement from Football

On Thursday, Bryce Huff, a defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers, shared that he is retiring from professional football after six years in the league. At 27 years old, he reflects on his journey in the sport.

The 49ers traded for Huff from the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason. He played a significant role in their defense during the 2025 season, recording four sacks, although he hadn’t managed to secure any during the last ten games of that season, including the playoffs.

In a statement, Huff expressed, “I am retiring from football. I started playing when I was just four.” He reminisced about his childhood, noting his struggles with shyness and feeling out of place, saying, “All I really had was the game. Football kept me grounded.”

Huff entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Memphis in 2020 and spent four seasons with the New York Jets, where he collected 65 tackles and 17.5 sacks. In 2024, he joined the Eagles and played 12 games, contributing to their Super Bowl-winning team.

He recalled the support he received while developing his skills, especially from coaches like Gregg Williams and Robert Saleh during his time in New York. “Those four years will always mean a lot to me,” he stated. Huff achieved a remarkable feat, earning a contract that made him the highest-paid undrafted rookie in NFL history.

When discussing his career, Huff emphasized the lessons football taught him. “At 27 years old, I know I can offer more to the world than just the game,” he noted, mentioning how the sport has instilled values like perseverance and leadership in him.

Looking forward, Huff indicated an interest in focusing on lithium battery companies, aiming to address the risks associated with fire hazards. He expressed a desire to move forward while valuing the experiences and lessons from his football career.