Justin Smith retires.

[MackStrongIsMyHero]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap300000 ... th-retires

I think everyone here has a ton of respect for this guy. Hard-nosed, blue-collar player that wrecked offensive lines, and he was always classy.

[c_hawkbob]

At least the Niners had to see this one coming.

[MackStrongIsMyHero]

Oh they definitely did; it is a decision they've been waiting on from him since the end of last season. Not unexpected news, but it kind of feels like an end of an era for the 49ers. Him and Patrick Willis were just flat out dominant.

[RiverDog]

More evidence that the Niners are heading into a major rebuild. Harbaugh got out at the right time. The Niners are going to have successive sub .500 seasons and everyone's going to blame it on the owner/GM rather than Harbaugh.

Aldon Smith is going to miss The Cowboy more than anyone else. He can expect to see more double teams.

[NorthHawk]

Anthony Smith, one of their starting OT's retired today as well.
He's only 25.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... at-age-25/

[Seahawks4Ever]

I thought this was old news.

Jim Hairball inherited a team that was loaded with talent but under performed. When he saw that he would have to rebuild he bolted so that his w/L percentage wouldn't take a hit.

[jshawaii22]

Anthony Smith, one of their starting OT's retired today as well.
He's only 25.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... at-age-25/

Anthony Davis is the OT that is taking an extended vacation. He was drafted in the same draft as ET and Okung. And SF drafted Iopati and he's gone, too.