Anthony Davis of Piscataway, Rutgers, Retires From The NFL

Photo: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)

Didn’t see that coming.

San Fransisco 49ers offensive tackle Anthony Davis has retired from the National Football League. The former Rutgers guard/tackle and Piscataway, N.J. native released a statement Friday with his intentions to hang up the cleats – at least temporarily.

httpss://twitter.com/BamDavis_/status/606933460557504512

“After a few years of thought, I’ve decided it will be best for me to take a year or so away from the NFL. This will be a time for me to allow my Brain and Body a chance to heal. I know many won’t understand my decision, that’s ok,” Davis said in the statement.

“I hope you too have the courage to live your life how you planned it when day dreaming to yourself growing up. Your Life is Your dream and you have the power to control that dream. Im simply doing what’s best for my body as well as my mental health at this time in my life.”

Davis missed nine games this past season, including four from a concussion suffered in week 11 against the New York Giants.

Davis was chosen with the 11th overall selection in the first round of 2010 NFL Draft by the 49ers, and remains Rutgers’ highest ever draft pick. Coming out of high school, the 6-5, 323-pounder was a four-star recruit, and as was regarded as the top prospect from New Jersey. Davis also played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and chose the in-state school over offers from the who’s who of college football like Ohio State and USC.

The 25-year old Davis has started 71 career games thus far for San Fransisco, and attended the Scarlet-White spring game in April voicing his opinion that the top New Jersey recruits should stay home, and play for Rutgers.

Colin Archer/For The Star-Ledger