Overview

• On July 19, 2025, James posted on X that he was retiring from the NFL after seven seasons.
• He revealed his knee never healed properly following a 2021 injury and that he had been playing hurt since 2022.
• A seventh-round pick in 2018, James amassed over 2,100 all-purpose yards with the 49ers, delivered a career-best season for the Giants in 2022, and secured a Super Bowl ring with the Chiefs.
• Recent roster moves by the 49ers and Chiefs favoring younger wide receivers and returners left James without contract offers this offseason.
• Fans and former teammates flooded social media with emotional tributes, praising his underdog journey and special teams contributions.