This star WR was never defined by football alone. Beyond the gridiron, he actively pursued creative passions. Chris Conley was picked by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round, 76th overall, in the 2015 NFL Draft. Just 5 years later, when COVID hit, Conley got busy with another project. He created a short film titled “Quar-antime” during the pandemic, going back to his childhood hobbies. Alongside his filmmaking interest, he also put up huge numbers on the board. Conley recorded 220 receptions for 2,922 yards and 15 touchdowns over the course of his decade-long career. 

Those impressive stats spanned over five teams. He played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, and recently, the San Francisco 49ers. With a deep sense of gratitude, Conley marked the end of this chapter through an emotional Instagram post. He confirmed his retirement and reflected on what the league had meant to him. Conley’s retirement post included several images from his football career. Each moment captured the depth of his dedication to the game. In his caption, he wrote, “When I was a kid, I wrote down a set of goals. On that list was ‘Play 10 years in the NFL’. Now that this goal has been accomplished, it’s time to set sights on something new.”

He continued his message with, “The past 10 years have been a dream. Getting the opportunity to play in the league was an honor, and whether it was catching touchdowns or blocking for them, I truly gave it my all.” 

His wife, Brianna Conley, also shared some updates on social media that echoed her pride and support for her husband. She wrote in her Instagram story, “Seeing you accomplish your goal of playing 10 years in the NFL was incredible.” In a follow-up Instagram story, she added, “Can’t wait to see you excel in the next chapter.” Her messages gave fans a look into their bond during this milestone. As she also wrote, “Your work ethic and determination is inspiring,” like a true hype woman. 

Conley’s next chapter will start by going back to his other passion. According to his agent, Jonathan Perzley, on NFL Network Saturday, he will be attending film school at his alma mater, Georgia. As he prepares to turn the page to a new chapter, Conley leaves behind a journey filled with grit, growth, and countless memories, truly leading an interesting life.

Chris Conley’s ten-year NFL journey comes full circle

Chris Conley started playing football in high school. Before he picked up his first-ever football, he spent his younger years focusing on academics and exploring creative hobbies. “In my household, it was about doing well in school before excelling on any sort of playing field,” Conley once shared. “We were able to pick up instruments and books, and that was really the extent of what we did… It wasn’t until high school that I was able to branch out into football.” Now, as he puts a bow on his decade-long career, he is ready to return to those other passions. 

Conley began his NFL journey when the Kansas City Chiefs offered him a four-year contract worth $3.12 million, which included a $712,434 signing bonus a decade back. He entered as a proud alumnus of the University of Georgia. And ended his college career with 177 receptions, 1,938 yards, and 20 touchdowns. 

After spending his first four years in the Big League with the Chiefs, Conley joined the Jacksonville Jaguars for two seasons. His 2017 season ended early due to an Achilles injury during what many expected to be his breakout year. In 2018, he rebounded strongly with five touchdowns across 13 starts while playing alongside Patrick Mahomes. During his time with the Jaguars in 2020, Conley served as team captain and took accountability for the offense’s struggles. He still managed highlight plays, including a 29-yard run and a touchdown catch.

In 2023, just before the NFL Draft, Conley signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. Earlier in his career, he had caught national attention at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine. There, he was named the “Combine’s Most Athletic WR” by Bleacher Report. 

However, that has now come to an end, as he has followed another defining passion of his childhood: creative hobbies. Fans are eager to see how his next chapter unfolds.