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Former 49ers Third-Round Pick Announces Surprise Retirement
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- Former 49ers Third-Round Pick Announces Surprise Retirement
The San Francisco 49ers have plenty of things going on this week at training camp, but there was some notable news about a former player on Tuesday.
Ahkello Witherspoon , who was drafted by the 49ers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft , has announced his retirement. Witherspoon recently signed with the Washington Commanders and was competing for a starting job in training camp this summer.
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The cornerback spent the last three seasons with the division-rival Los Angeles Rams . Witherspoon started in 24 games for the Rams and collected 91 tackles, 25 pass breakups, and five interceptions over that time.
Unfortunately, injuries have been a big problem for Witherspoon in his career. The veteran played in 13 games in 2024 and just six in 2025. Witherspoon broke his scapula in Week 2 of the 2025 season, and then broke it again in the playoffs against the Carolina Panthers .
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The former 49er seemed to be healthy this summer, but it seems like we won't see him on the field anymore regardless.
Witherspoon had plenty of fans while he was on the 49ers because he was born and raised in California. Witherspoon started his collegiate career in the state as well, playing for Sacramento City College in 2013. Witherspoon played the final three seasons of his college career at Colorado before being drafted by the 49ers.
Over four seasons with the 49ers, Witherspoon played in 47 games with 33 starts. The cornerback collected 117 tackles, 24 pass breakups, and four interceptions for the 49ers. After that stretch, Witherspoon signed with the Seattle Seahawks , but was quickly traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers , never having played a game for the Seahawks.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
