San Francisco, CA — August 15, 2025
Some NFL journeys start under bright lights, with cameras flashing and names called on draft day. Others begin quietly, with no spotlight, no guarantees — just a player fighting for a place.
For the 49ers faithful, there’s a special pride in those who arrive the hard way. The ones who don’t just play for the team, but become part of its soul. The kind who earn respect snap by snap, run by run, until their story belongs to the city as much as the player himself.
It’s a story of speed, of resilience, and of a bond forged on the turf at Levi’s Stadium. Fans still remember the way he could change the sound of the crowd with one cut and an open lane. Coaches remember the consistency, the work ethic, the refusal to quit — even when the odds said otherwise.
That player is Matt Breida. The undrafted running back signed with San Francisco in 2017, and by 2018, he was among the NFL’s most explosive rushers. His 5.3 yards per carry that year ranked 4th in the league among backs with at least 100 attempts, a testament to both his burst and vision.
Across three seasons with the 49ers (2017–2019), Breida logged 1,902 rushing yards, 561 receiving yards, and 10 total touchdowns over 43 games. He helped fuel a San Francisco offense built on balance and speed, playing a key role in their run to the NFC’s biggest stage.
Now, at 30 years old, Breida has decided to retire after seven NFL seasons. His time in Miami, Buffalo, and New York only deepened the respect he earned in locker rooms around the league, but in San Francisco, his legacy is etched in red and gold.
For the fans, it’s not just the yards or touchdowns they’ll remember — it’s the sight of No. 22 breaking into daylight, the roar of Levi’s Stadium rising with every stride, and the pride of knowing he once wore their colors. For Matt Breida, this will always be home.
