Chris Conley, the former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver who helped put Patrick Mahomes on his way to stardom, publicly announced his retirement from the NFL on June 7, after a 10-year career.
Selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Conley spent his early seasons in Kansas City before playing for the Jaguars, Texans, Titans, and 49ers. Now, he’s trading cleats for cameras, planning to pursue a new career in film.
Conley revealed on Instagram that reaching his childhood goal – “Play 10 years in the NFL” – marks a perfect endpoint.
“When I was a kid I wrote down a set of goals. On that list was ‘Play 10 years in the NFL,'” he wrote. “Now that this goal has been accomplished it’s time to set sights on something new.”
He reflects fondly on his career: “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. I can’t mention everyone who was instrumental in my growth as a man and player but if you played a part, I extend a heartfelt thank you. To my teammates, training staff, and coaches thanks for the friendship and trust throughout the years.”
The highlight of Conley’s career came early – he caught quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ first career touchdown at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23, 2018. That moment remains a sentimental milestone for both Conley and Chiefs fans, symbolizing the decade’s journey ahead. His best statistical season occurred in 2019 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, when he hauled in 47 receptions for 775 yards.
Most recently, he appeared in Super Bowl LVIII with the San Francisco 49ers, albeit in a losing effort to his former team, the Chiefs.
A bold leap into cinema
“God makes no mistakes,” he stated. “He is more than enough. See you in the next dream.”
Beyond retirement, Conley is diving headfirst into Hollywood. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Conley plans to enroll in film school at the University of Georgia. His announcement signals a clear intention to shift creative gears-from athletic feats to cinematic storytelling.
The transition from professional sports to entertainment isn’t uncommon. Players like Tony Gonzalez and Terrell Owens have made notable appearances in film and television. Conley’s decision, however, is distinctive: he’s opting for formal education in filmmaking, suggesting serious ambition behind his next act.
Conley’s journey underscores the multifaceted lives of modern athletes. His nickname, “Conman,” marked his identity as a reliable target alongside top-tier receivers. Fans will recall his role-catching parade at Arrowhead, contributions to playoff-bound seasons, and support for younger teammates. Now, his anecdotes, discipline, and creative vision will likely inform his storytelling.
He plans to immerse himself in the technical craft-screenwriting, directing, and acting – in a creative environment quite different from football. Film school will offer him hands-on experience behind the lens, a new team dynamic where collaboration and storytelling reign.
Conley’s story is an inspiring reminder that athletic retirement doesn’t end one’s influence – it simply opens another stage. As he ventures into filmmaking, his future colleagues may see an elder athlete offering mentorship, resilience, and insight, as he did on the field.
For Chiefs and NFL fans, his retirement brings nostalgia. But the next decade may be even more compelling-this time in theaters and on screens. Wherever Chris Conley lands in his second career, his journey proves that determination and passion can define the path long after the final whistle blows.
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