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49ers Veteran Offensive Lineman Calls it a Career

This veteran offensive lineman stepped up when the 49ers needed him in 2023 on the way to a Super Bowl appearance.
Jose Sanchez|
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Jon Feliciano (55) before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Jon Feliciano (55) before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

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San Francisco 49ers

49ers veteran offensive lineman Jon Feliciano is calling it a career.

Feliciano took to social media to announce his official retirement from the NFL after 10 seasons. It isn't surprising news since 2024 was derailed for him due to a knee injury. He couldn't overcome it to return to the 49ers in the middle of the season as they had hoped.

Feliciano stepped up for the 49ers in a major way in 2023 on the way to a Super Bowl appearance. He took over for Spencer Burford at right guard after Burford suffered an injury. Feliciano proved to be an immediate upgrade over Burford, thus the 49ers maintained his starting role in seven games.

Unfortunately for Feliciano and the 49ers, he would get hurt in the Super Bowl against the Chiefs and wouldn't return. His absence played a significant role when Burford filled in. Burford is responsible for one of the game-defining plays when he allowed Chris Jones a free rushing lane late in the game.

Likely, Feliciano doesn't commit the same mistake as Burford. You can imagine the frustration he must've felt for himself knowing the injury kept him out of the critical moment in the game. Feliciano was slated to be the starter again in 2024, but couldn't stay healthy.

His injury paved the way for Dominick Puni to get reps and win the starting job. If Feliciano doesn't get hurt, the odds are Puni doesn't become the starter to begin the season. The 49ers should feel grateful to Feliciano. He deserves a nice send-off after what he gave them.

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Jose Luis Sanchez III
JOSE SANCHEZ

Jose Luis Sanchez III has covered the San Francisco 49ers daily for FanNation since 2019. He started off as the lead publisher for FanNation's All49ers, then switched positions to become the Deputy Editor in 2020. Sanchez writes, edits, and produces videos daily for All49ers. He also co-hosts a show on YouTube with All49ers lead publisher Grant Cohn weekly. Prior to FanNation, Sanchez started his writing career back in 2016 for the school newspaper at Skyline college where he covered all sports team in the Bay Area. Following that from 2017 to 2019, he found a role as a contributor for FanSided's news desk along with their site's Just Blog Baby covering the Las Vegas Raiders and Golden Gate Sports every professional Bay Area sports team. Atop all of that, he was able to graduate with a Bachelors degree in Communication Studies at San Francisco State University in 2020. Sanchez is committed to ensuring he delivers transparent analysis and straightforward opinions that resonates with readers to get them thinking.

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