June 17, 2014

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - Former UNLV standout cornerback and kick returner Eric Wright, who was selected in the second round in the 2007 NFL Draft, announced his retirement from the game Tuesday instead of reporting to a mandatory summer camp for the San Francisco 49ers.

Wright, who started 81 of his 92 games, finished his pro career with 371 total tackles, 72 passes defended, 15 interceptions, five forced fumbles and three forced fumbles. He returned two turnovers for touchdowns.

Wright was drafted 117 overall by the Cleveland and went on to a four-year career with the Browns. He signed as a free agent with the Detroit Lions in 2011 and then signed a huge contract to move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers one year later. He moved to the Bay Area last year and played in nine total games for the 49ers, including two in the postseason.

"After seven NFL seasons, I am announcing my retirement from professional football," Wright said in a statement released by the team. "Playing was the fulfillment of a childhood dream, but as I prepared for the coming season, I realized that I no longer had the same passion I once had for the game. The San Francisco 49ers have given me an amazing opportunity to play for the team I grew up rooting for, and I owe the York family, my coaches, and my teammates tremendous gratitude. I will be forever grateful to all of the franchises I was lucky enough to play for, and look forward to beginning the next phase of my life, and spending more time with my family."