The Sports Xchange

The early retirements keep coming for the San Francisco 49ers. The latest is offensive tackle Anthony Davis, who is leaving the game at age 25.

The 49ers announced Davis’ departure from the NFL on Friday. Davis started all 71 regular-season games and eight postseason games in which he played since he was the No. 11 overall selection in the 2010 Draft.

But last year Davis missed nine games because of injuries and suffered a late-season concussion.

“After a few years of thought, I’ve decided it will be best for me to take a year or so away from the NFL. This will be a time for me to allow my brain and body a chance to heal,” Davis said. “I know many won’t understand my decision; that’s OK.

“I hope you too have the courage to live your life how you planned it when day-dreaming to yourself growing up. Your life is your dream and you have the power to control that dream. I’m simply doing what’s best for my body as well as my mental health at this time in my life.”

Davis joins former San Francisco teammates Chris Borland, Patrick Willis and Justin Smith in retirement.

“The 49ers’ organization thanks Anthony for his contributions to our team over the last five seasons and wishes him the best as he moves on from the game,” 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement.