(Credit: Associated Press)
Sometime Tuesday, a peal of thunder tore the air, the clouds opened up, the world was bathed in an eerie light the color of Jose Cuervo Gold, and the NFL announced that Rob Gronkowski had come out of retirement. The Patriots are trading him to Tampa Bay, where he will reunite with his boo, Tom Brady.
Gronk’s emergence from a one-year hiatus got me thinking. Which former 49ers would be most likely to un-retire and join their former team in Santa Clara? Is Jerry Rice too old? Would Ian Williams consider putting down his microphone and sliding into a locker at Levi’s Stadium?
Here are my top 10 ex-49ers to coax off the coach and onto the field. I included guys who (as far as I know) never officially announced their retirements, but are currently unaffiliated and have sat out at least one full season.
GARRETT CELEK: If Gronkowski can do it, why not this recently retired tight end? Celek was no George Kittle, but he was a popular 49ers teammate for eight years and a versatile minor part in the system. I’m sure he hasn’t forgotten directions to team headquarters, either. Celek announced his retirement on Feb. 7 after battling back injuries for a year. Is it Celek Time again? Maybe he can be this year’s Earl Mitchell.
PIERRE GARCON: Yes, he is 33 years old, the elder of this list.
About the Author: Insidethe49
