Former 49ers TE Vernon Davis announces he’s retired during Super Bowl pregame show

After 14 seasons in the NFL with the 49ers, Broncos and Redskins, tight end Vernon Davis announced in a Super Bowl pregame skit with Rob Gronkowski that he’s retiring from football at the age of 36.

Davis spent nine and a half seasons with the 49ers and made two Pro Bowl teams in San Francisco before he was traded midseason in 2015 and went on to win a Super Bowl with the Broncos. Davis spent the last three seasons with the Redskins, but was placed on injured reserve in November due to concussion issues.

During the Fox pregame show on Sunday, Davis appeared as a member of Rob Gronkowski’s “retirement crew” along with former Steelers great James Harrison.

Let's check in on @RobGronkowski and his retirement crew, the Golden Gronks, ft. @jharrison9292 and @VernonDavis85 😂 pic.twitter.com/8iCn9nwuMX

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) February 2, 2020

As far as retirement plans go, you could do worse than partying in Miami with Gronk.

Fans paid tribute to Davis on Twitter following the announcement.

Wait….Vernon Davis just announced his retirement????

THANK YOU @VernonDavis85!

— JD w/HawkHaterTV (@HawkHaterTV) February 2, 2020

Thank you for everything Vernon Davis! 🙏🏼❤️💛

Let's go get #6 today for all the past Niners that deserve one 🏆 pic.twitter.com/sYEOi75T41

— 𝙎𝙘𝙤𝙤𝙗𝙮 🇮🇹🌴 (Miami bound) (@TrillaKwon) February 2, 2020

In honor of Vernon Davis’ retirement, here’s the final TD of his career. Crazy athleticism for the then-35-year-old pic.twitter.com/3zYGSAwdXm

— Ethan Cadeaux (@Ethan_Cadeaux) February 2, 2020

The Catch III – the crown jewel of Vernon Davis’ 14-year career. #49ers pic.twitter.com/7Y8wVMWFOz

— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) February 2, 2020

Great career Vernon Davis. Thought he’d just be a placeholder for #Redskins but he contributed a lot (when healthy).

— HTTR (@DieHardRedskinz) February 2, 2020