KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Veteran wide receiver Chris Conley, a 2015 third-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs, announced his retirement from the NFL after a decade-long career, sources confirmed to ESPN. The 32-year-old is now chasing a new passion: filmmaking.
Drafted 76th overall out of Georgia, Conley played four seasons with the Chiefs, catching 104 passes for 1,238 yards and six touchdowns. His speed and work ethic made him a fan favorite in Kansas City.
Conley’s 10-year career spanned 132 games across five teams: the Chiefs, Jaguars, Texans, Titans, and 49ers. He amassed 226 receptions, 2,998 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns, showcasing versatility and reliability.
In a statement shared on X, Conley expressed gratitude: “Ten years in the NFL was a dream come true. Now, I’m ready to tell stories through film.” Fans flooded replies with support, praising his journey.
Conley is enrolled at the University of Georgia’s film school, pursuing a lifelong passion. His transition follows a trend of NFL players exploring creative careers post-retirement, inspired by storytelling’s impact.
During his Chiefs tenure, Conley contributed to the team’s early Patrick Mahomes era, providing depth in a dynamic offense. “Chris was a pro’s pro,” tweeted former teammate @TravisKelce.
X posts from @ChiefsKingdomHQ celebrated Conley’s legacy: “From Arrowhead to the big screen, Conley’s a class act.” Others, like @NFLRetirees, wished him luck in his filmmaking venture.
As Conley steps away from football, his 10-year mark leaves a lasting impression. Chiefs fans and the NFL community eagerly await his next chapter behind the camera.