Less than two weeks after his 32nd birthday, former San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Mike Person has called it a career, announcing his retirement to 406MTSports.com. The veteran offensive lineman, who started against the Kansas City Chiefs in February's Super Bowl LIV, spent nine seasons in the NFL, including the last two in San Francisco.
"I just feel like now is the right time," Person said Sunday. "Obviously I wish it would have ended differently, especially this past season. You take a beating, and anybody who's played knows that. At some point you just have to tell yourself now is the right time. My kids are getting older and most likely I'd spend the entire season away from them if I were to sign with someone. I've missed too much already."
The Niners' starting right guard in the Super Bowl, Person was released by San Francisco in early April, likely as part of the team's effort to clear salary cap space in a financially tight offseason. While he never stayed with one team for more than two consecutive seasons, he appeared to hit his stride with the 49ers, starting all 16 games in 2018, his San Francisco debut, and then starting 14 during the club's NFC Championship run. Playing under a three-year contract extension, he was part of the offensive line that powered one of the NFL's most dangerous rushing attacks in 2019.
Originally a seventh-round draft pick of the Niners back in 2011, Person spent his rookie season in San Francisco but didn't actually take the field until 2013, with the Seattle Seahawks. He spent time between the St. Louis Rams, Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts over the next five seasons before returning to the 49ers, making 48 career starts.
