Sad News: San Francisco 49ers Manager Announces him Retirement From……….
NFL star who earned business degree announces retirement from football and looking forward to ‘next stage of life’
The former Penn State kicker spent 11 seasons with the Chicago Bears
AFTER 18 seasons, San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould has hung up his cleats for good.
The Chicago Bears legend, 41, announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday.
Robbie Gould (C) spent 11 seasons with the Chicago BearsCredit: 2012
Gould (second from the left) went on to play his final six seasons as a member of the San Francisco 49ersCredit: 2019 Getty Images
In an article published by The Player’s Tribune, Gould said: “To have the kind of playing-career experience that I had in the NFL was nothing short of amazing, and my level of gratitude for the journey — the ups, the downs, the in-between — is immeasurable.”
Originally from Pennsylvania, Gould went on to star for the Penn State Nittany Lions while studying business management.
But he had to earn his spot as a walk-on – an opportunity afforded to him thanks to a handwritten letter to their then-head coach, Joe Paterno, from Gould’s high school soccer coach, as per Yahoo Sports.
In four seasons at Beaver Stadium, Gould made 115 of 121 extra points and 39 of 61 attempted field goals.
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After going undrafted in 2005, Gould was handed a lifeline by the New England Patriots where he got to learn from one of the best to ever kick in the NFL, Adam Vinatieri.
His brief preseason stint in New England was followed by another fleeting visit to the Baltimore Ravens.
In his Players Tribune article, Gould admitted: “After being released by both teams, it’s safe to say that the NFL dream of mine felt like it might be over before it had even begun.
“And my work boots and 9-to-5 construction job were waiting for me when I returned home to Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.”
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But while working construction, Gould was contacted by the Bears who quickly snapped him up after a successful tryout.
He wound up becoming a stalwart of the Bears, remaining in Illinois for 11 seasons.
During this span, Gould was named a First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler once.
Let go by the Bears in September 2016, his next stop took him to the New York Giants where he spent just a single season.
This was followed by six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers – during the first of which he managed 39 field goals which proved a career-best.
Now, however, with three young kids, Gould is focusing on spending more time with his family.
He explained: “For the longest time, my career has naturally filled my schedule, and my wife has taken the reins at home.
“My oldest is 10 years old, and I’ve been away from him for large chunks of nine years.
“My younger two boys are eight and five. For most of their lives, Dad hasn’t been fully present.
“So, without interruption, I’m ready for this next stage of life.”
As for his future endeavors, Gould said he planned on expanding his charity work, time on the golf course, while he also teased coaching down the line.
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He finished his career having made 266 appearances, 620 of 236 extra points, and 447 of 571 field goals.
