Last 49ers player to return a kickoff for a touchdown has called it a career

Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver and returner Richie James has announced his retirement from the NFL. He made this announcement on social media.

James played six seasons in the league, his first three with San Francisco. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Middle Tennessee and proved to be a decent contributor for the Niners.

In those three seasons with San Francisco, he was never fully utilized on offense as he had 38 receptions for 689 receiving yard and three touchdowns. James brought impressive speed to the table, though, which is also why he was the team’s kick and punt returner during those seasons.

During his rookie season in 2018, James returned a kickoff for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks.

Believe it or not, but that is the last time a Niners player has returned a kickoff for a touchdown. 

Yet, given the state of special teams since head coach Kyle Shanahan took over in 2017, maybe that should not come as too much of a shock. Shanahan has long treated special teams as a “don’t screw up” phase of the game as he thinks it is better to focus on offense and defense where he feels the game should truly be won or lost.

However, this season with Brant Boyer taking over as special teams coordinator and the 49ers drafting Junior Bergen, maybe their special teams will be revamped and they could have their first return touchdown since James last achieved this.

James was the team’s primary returner in the first Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. After his time with the 49ers, he had a solid season with the New York Giants in 2022 where he had 569 yards and four receiving touchdowns. In 2023 he joined the Kansas City Chiefs and was on the team that beat the Niners in the second Super Bowl matchup between K.C. and San Francisco. 

He did not play last season, and now he has decided to call it quits due to a lingering knee injury. In all, he had a solid career and has a Super Bowl ring to show for it at his former team’s expense.

Let’s hope the Niners can get their first kick return touchdown since James this upcoming season. With a new coordinator and an exciting new returner, this could be the year it happens.