“Hollywood is dead”: NFL fans react to Chris Conley trading cleats for camera as 49ers WR announces retirement

Veteran wide receiver Chris Conley announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday. He is closing the curtain on a ten-year career that spanned five teams and more than 130 games.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, the San Francisco 49ers wideout revealed that he’s turning his attention to a long-held ambition.

Conley, 31, shared that as a child, he wrote down a set of personal goals, and at the top of that list was “Play 10 years in the NFL.” Now that he’s fulfilled that dream, the former Georgia Bulldog is returning to his alma mater to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and Digital Media.

“Getting the opportunity to play in the league was an honor,” Conley wrote in his farewell message, ending with the line: “See you in the next dream.”

Fan reactions on X showed their opinions about Chris Conley's Hollywood pivot:

"Hollywood is dead," posted one X user.

Arm-Hair Mustache

@@CokeAndLazers

Hollywood is dead

https://x.com/CokeAndLazers/status/1931367973496693052?t=CbwyLH6qwK-EIdVX4nki5Q&s=19

"Yea probably a good call," wrote another.

"Disney can use him. Best wishes and thank you, Chris Conley!" added one fan.

More fans showed enthusiasm:

"Let's go," added a fan.

"Never too late to make a pivot," posted one fan.

"Hangin' em up," wrote another.

Originally selected in the third round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015, Chris Conley played for the Jaguars, Texans, Titans and the 49ers. His best year was in 2019 with Jacksonville, when he accumulated 775 yards and five touchdowns.

Although his last year in San Francisco was one of limited playing time — only six receptions for 76 yards — Conley was a constant presence in the backup ranks behind showstoppers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.

Chris Conley already has film experience from his college days at Georgia

NFL: Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers - Source: Imagn

Chris Conley’s passion for storytelling isn't new. While at the University of Georgia, he directed and starred in a 26-minute Star Wars fan film titled “Retribution: Darkness Falls.” The student-led production earned campus-wide praise, as per Online Athens.

A journalism graduate, Conley often shared thoughts on movies and TV — from The Last of Us to Ant-Man and the Wasp — on social media. His bio on X describes him as a “wannabe writer and director.”

He’ll be studying in a nationally ranked program, jointly hosted by UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. He'll also have access to a 14,000-square-foot soundstage and professional-grade equipment at Athena Studios.