Mohamed Sanu Announces Retirement from NFL After a Decade of Accomplishments
A journey that began over a decade ago in the NFL has come to a close for Mohamed Sanu. The former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver officially announced his retirement, marking the end of a significant chapter in his life. Sanu signed with the 49ers in 2020 and returned to the field in 2021, appearing in eight games where he recorded 15 receptions for 177 yards. However, he hasn’t played since that season, and now he’s ready to embrace new opportunities.
Transitioning to Coaching and Podcasting
In his announcement, Sanu expressed gratitude for the experiences he gained throughout his career. “After 10+ years in the NFL, my playing chapter is closing. Grateful for every coach, teammate & fan. Excited to give back through coaching & share the game in a new way with the [Facts Over Stats] Podcast. The journey continues,” he shared, indicating his desire to stay connected to the sport by stepping into coaching and starting a podcast.
A Career Built on Versatility
Sanu was originally a third-round pick for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012, and his NFL tenure spanned ten seasons, during which he played for several teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, and Detroit Lions. His most productive season came in 2018 while with the Falcons, where he recorded 66 catches for 838 yards—his highest yardage total in a single season.
Reflections from His Time in the League
His former coach with the Falcons, Raheem Morris, reflected on Sanu’s impact, stating, “To watch him retire is kind of touching to me. Bringing him in, he was my free agent. We went to the Super Bowl together, obviously, we had a great run. I remember trading him to the Patriots, how sad it was, how emotional it got for me and him.” Such sentiments highlight the close bonds formed during Sanu’s career.
Career Stats and Achievements
As Sanu hangs up his cleats, he leaves behind an impressive legacy. Over the course of his career, he amassed 435 receptions, totaling 4,871 yards and scoring 27 touchdowns. Beyond receiving, he showcased his versatility with 42 carries for 226 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Notably, Sanu also demonstrated his skills as a passer, completing 7 of 8 passes for 233 yards and four touchdowns.
Sanu’s decision to retire marks not just the end of an era for him personally, but also the continuation of his connection to the game he loves. Through coaching and his new podcast, he aims to inspire the next generation of players while sharing insights from his extensive experience in the league.
