San Francisco 49ers confirm Justin Smith retirement after 14 seasons

The San Francisco 49ers have confirmed that defensive tackle Justin Smith has retired after 14 seasons in the NFL.

The 35-year-old had a dominant career in the league with the 49ers and the Cincinnati Bengals, being voted to the Pro Bowl five times and named an All-Pro twice.

However, Smith has decided to call time on his career, following former teammates Patrick Willis and Chris Borland to retire in the off-season.

"Tough. Physical. Durable. Hard-working. Dedicated. Selfless. Justin embodies each of those qualities and brought even more with him to work each and every day," 49ers CEO Jed York told the club's official website. "Justin has earned the respect of the entire NFL community and he will always be remembered as one of the 49ers all-time greats."

Head coach Jim Tomsula added: "As a football coach, you will always be searching for the next Justin Smith, knowing full well you will never find a player quite like him. Everybody knows about his toughness, durability, and instincts, but his greatest attribute does not get the attention it deserves.

"Justin never concerned himself with personal accomplishments, his unselfish nature made that impossible. People like to say 'they broke the mould with him' but there was never a mould. Justin Smith is a hand-crafted football player."

Smith recorded 880 tackles, 87 sacks and three interceptions in his 14-year career.